Surf wake system for a watercraft

ABSTRACT

An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake. A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle θd relative to the centerline.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/900,606, filed Jun. 12, 2020, and titled “SURF WAKE SYSTEM FOR AWATERCRAFT”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/915,431, filed Mar. 8, 2018, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM FOR AWATERCRAFT, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/133,157, filed Apr. 19, 2016, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM FOR AWATERCRAFT, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/082,086, filed Nov. 15, 2013, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM FOR AWATERCRAFT, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/075,978, filed Nov. 8, 2013, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM FORA WATERCRAFT, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/830,356, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM FORA WATERCRAFT. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/830,356 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/545,969,filed on Jul. 10, 2012, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM FOR A WATERCRAFT,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/559,069, filed on Nov. 12, 2011, and titledSURF WAKE SYSTEM FOR A WATERCRAFT. U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/830,356 is also a continuation-in-part of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2012/055788, with an international filing date ofSep. 17, 2012, titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A WATERCRAFT,which designates the United States, and which claims the benefit under35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/535,438, filed on Sep. 16, 2011, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR A WATERCRAFT. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/133,157 isalso a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/026,983, filed Sep. 13, 2013, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM AND METHODFOR A WATERCRAFT, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/830,274, filed Mar. 14, 2013, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR A WATERCRAFT, which is a continuation of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2012/055788, with an international filingdate of Sep. 17, 2012, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AWATERCRAFT, which designates the United States, and which claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/535,438, filed on Sep. 16, 2011, and titled SURF WAKE SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR A WATERCRAFT. Each of the above-identified patentapplications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and ismade a part of this specification for all that it discloses.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

This application relates, in general, to a wake system for a watercraft,and more particularly, to a surf wake system for modifying a wakeproduced by a watercraft travelling through water.

Description of the Related Art

Wake surfing has become increasingly popular in recent years because,unlike an ocean wave, a wake produced by a watercraft is on-demand notto mention continuous and endless as long as the watercraft is movingforward. As a watercraft travels through water, the watercraft displaceswater and thus generates waves including bow wave and diverging sternwaves on both sides of the watercraft. Due to pressure differences,these waves generally converge in the hollow formed behind the travelingwatercraft and/or interfere with each other to form a wake behind thewatercraft. Such a wake, however, is generally small, choppy or tooclose to the watercraft to be suitable and safe for water sports, andparticularly not suitable for wake boarding or surfing.

To facilitate surfing, a wake can be formed away from the stern of thewatercraft, for example, about ten feet away, and with a waist-heightpeak, for example, about three feet or higher. Those of skill in the artwill understand that a wake for wake surfing can be formed at variousdifferent distances behind the watercraft, and the wake can have variousdifferent heights. Generally hundreds, and sometimes thousands, ofpounds of additional weight or ballast to a rear corner of thewatercraft to make the watercraft tilt to one side, displaces morewater, and hence generates a larger wake on that side. Such additionalweight may be in the form of removable ballast bags, installed ballasttanks or bladders, or passengers positioned to one side of thewatercraft, which is primarily used to tip the watercraft to that side.Using such additional weight to produce larger wakes, however, posesseveral disadvantages. For example, such additional weight may take upsignificant space and capacity that may otherwise reduce the passengercapacity of the watercraft. Also, such additional weight may unbalancethe watercraft creating difficulties in control. Moreover, theadditional weight generally must be moved from one side of the watercraft to the other in order to generate a wake on the other side of thewater craft. Shifting such additional weight may require significanttime and effort. For example, filling and emptying ballast tanks toswitch from one side to the other may require 20 minutes or more.

Alternatively, it is known to require extensive modification to a boathull to promote a proper surf wake. An example of generating a largerwake can be found in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,527 to Lochtefeld et al.

Generally, wake surfing is a water sport in which a surfer trails behinda ballasted wake boat at relatively slow speeds. Riders surf on anendless wave. The wake boats are specific wake boats with rear platformsand direct submerged drives so the propeller is under the boat.

In order to create wakes, owners of inboard boats place ballast, such aswater, lead weights, cement, or other heavy objects in differentsections of the boat in order to weight the boat down and create alarger wake. The weight may add a bias of weight toward the back cornerof the boat that the rider is surfing on.

However, it takes trial and error to figure out where to put the ballastand how much to produce the best wave on your boat. For example, if aleft surf wake is desired, one would position a significant amount ofweight near the aft left corner of the boat. Positioning several hundredpounds of ballast (e.g., 600-800 lbs, or more) or several large menadjacent the desired corner may be necessary for creating a suitablesurf wake. One will appreciate such imbalance generally leads tosignificant lean of the watercraft. For example, a lean of approximately14° is often necessary when using conventional ballast systems in orderto create a suitable surf wake. As one can imagine, such lean may havedeleterious effects on both handling and passenger enjoyment.

The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section isonly for enhancement of understanding of the general background of theinvention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form ofsuggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to aperson skilled in the art.

In light of the foregoing, it would therefore be useful to provide surfwake system that overcomes the above and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a surf wake systemfor modifying a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water.The surf wake system may include a pair of upright water divertersincluding a port diverter and a starboard diverter, each independentlymovable from a neutral position to a deployed position in which arespective water diverter extends outboard of a transom of thewatercraft to deflect water traveling along a hull of the watercraft andpast the transom. In some embodiments, positioning the port diverter inits deployed position while the starboard diverter is in its neutralposition modifies the wake to provide a starboard surf wake, andpositioning the starboard diverter in its deployed position while theport diverter is in its neutral position modifies the wake to provide aport surf wake.

In various embodiments, in the deployed position, the respective waterdiverter may extend outboard beyond a side strake of the watercraft todeflect water traveling along the side strake and past the transom.

Each upright water diverter may be pivotally mounted to the watercraftadjacent the transom or a respective side strake.

Each upright water diverter may be pivotally mounted to directly to thetransom or a respective side strake.

The surf wake system may include a plurality of positioners operablyconnected to a respective water diverter for positioning the respectivewater diverter relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft.

At least one of the plurality of positioners may be a linear actuatorconfigured to selectively move a respective water diverter between itsneutral and extended positions.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a surf wakesystem including a flap for deflecting water traveling past a transom ofthe watercraft, a hinge for pivotally mounting the flap relative to thewatercraft, the hinge having a pivot axis extending adjacent and along aside edge of the transom, and a positioner operably connected to theflap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of thewatercraft between a neutral position and an outward position.

The flap may include a substantially planar member.

The flap may be approximately 10-15 inches high and approximately 15-20inches long.

The flap may be formed of plastic, stainless steel, wood and/orfiberglass.

The hinge may be a jointed device having a first member pivotallyaffixed to a second member by a pin, wherein the first member is affixedto the watercraft and the second member is affixed to the flap.

The second member may be monolithically formed with the flap.

The actuator may be dimensioned and configured to pivotally move andposition the flap between the neutral position, in which the flap pullsinboard, and the extended position, in which the flap extends outboard.

The flap may extend outboard at least approximately 5-15° relative to alongitudinal axis of the watercraft.

The surf wake system may include a manual actuator to selectivelyposition the flap.

The surf wake system may include a controller installed within thewatercraft and operably connected to the actuator to selectivelyposition the flap.

The controller may include a display panel for displaying an indicationof a position of the flap.

The surf wake system may include a plurality of flaps and hinges, eachflap pivotally mounted to the watercraft by a respective hinge.

The plurality of flaps may include a port flap and a starboard flap,each mounted adjacent respective port side and starboard side edges.

The positioner may include a plurality of actuators each secured on thewatercraft and operably connected to a respective one of the pluralityof flaps.

The surf wake system may include a controller installed within thewatercraft and operably connected to the plurality of the actuators toselectively position the plurality of the flaps.

In various embodiments, positioning the port flap in the outwardposition and the starboard flap in the neutral position enhances a rightsurf wake, and wherein positioning the starboard flap in the outwardposition and the port flap in the neutral position enhances a leftsurfing wake.

Various embodiments disclosed herein can relate to a boat configured togenerate a starboard side surf wake for at least goofy-foot (orright-foot-forward) wake surfing and a port side surf wake for at leastregular-foot (or left-foot-forward) wake surfing, with the port sidesurf wake different from the starboard side surf wake. The boat caninclude an upright port side water diverter movable between a first andsecond position, where one of said first and second positions producesthe starboard side surf wake. The boat can include an upright starboardside water diverter movable between a first and second position, whereone of said first and second positions produces the port side surf wake.The boat can include a controller responsive to driver input into aninput device, and one or more actuators responsive to the controller tomove the port side water diverter from one of the first and secondpositions to the other of the first and second positions, and move thestarboard side water diverter from one of the second and first positionsto the other of the second and first positions.

Various embodiments disclosed herein can relate to a boat configured toproduce a right side surf wake and a left side surf wake different fromthe right side surf wake. Both the right side surf wake and left sidesurf wake can be different from a wake of the boat moving through waterwithout water diverters engaged. The boat can include a memory storinginformation including wake surf settings, a control responsive to thememory, one or more actuators responsive to the control, an uprightright side water diverter operably connected to the actuator(s) to movebetween a first and second position, where one of the first and secondpositions produces the left side surf wake, and an upright left sidewater diverter operably connected to the actuator(s) to move between afirst and second position, where one of the first and second positionsproduces the right side surf wake.

Various embodiments disclosed herein can relate to a boat configured tocreate an asymmetrical wake suitable for wake surfing. The boat caninclude first and second upright wake modifiers. The first wake modifiercan be configured to engage to form a right side asymmetrical wake, andthe second wake modifier can be configured to engage to form a left sideasymmetrical wake. Each of the right and left side asymmetrical wakescan be different from a non-surf wake of the boat moving through waterwithout the first and second wake modifiers engaged. In someembodiments, the boat can include a controller responsive to one or moresafety features to override engagement of said first or second uprightwake modifiers.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other featuresand advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in moredetail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, andthe following Detailed Description, which together serve to explaincertain principles of the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a boat configuredto produce a wake for wake surfing. The boat includes a hull configuredto produce a wake when the hull moves through water, a first elementhaving a vertical orientation, the first element electronicallypositionable to change a flow of water when the hull moves throughwater, said change of said flow modifying the wake to be surfable on aright side. The boat also includes a first actuator configured to movethe first element. The boat also includes a second element having avertical orientation, the second element electronically positionable tochange a flow of water when the hull moves through water, said change ofsaid flow modifying the wake to be surfable on a left side. The boatalso comprises a second actuator configured to move the second element.The boat also includes a user input device configured to receive inputfrom a user. The input can include a determination to change thesurfable side of the wake. Responsive to said input, at least one of thefirst and second actuators can move at least a corresponding one of thefirst and second elements to responsively modify the wake.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a boat producing awake for wake surfing. The boat can include a hull producing a wake asthe hull moves through water. The boat also includes a movable firststructure producing a first surfable side of the wake, said firstsurfable side of the wake including a substantially smooth water surfacewhile another side of the wake includes a substantially turbulent watersurface, said first structure movable between positions to change ashape of the first surfable side of the wake, said first structureincluding a vertical orientation. The boat also includes a firstactuator configured to move the first structure. The boat also includesa movable second structure capable of producing a second surfable sideof the wake, said second surfable side of the wake including asubstantially smooth water surface while another side of the wakeincludes a substantially turbulent water surface, said second structurecapable of being movable between positions to change a shape of thesecond surfable side of the wake, said second structure including avertical orientation. The boat also includes a second actuatorconfigured to move the second structure. The boat can also include auser input device configured to receive input from a user, and saidinput can include desired wave shapes. Responsive to said input, atleast one of the first and second actuators can move at least acorresponding one of the first and second elements to responsivelymodify the shape of the wake.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a boat configuredto produce a wake for wake surfing. The boat can include a hullconfigured to produce a wake when the hull moves through water. The boatalso can include a rudder configured to steer the boat as the hull movesthrough the water. The boat also can include a plurality ofelectronically controlled actuators, and an end of each actuator can beoperably secured with respect to the transom. The boat also can includefirst and second water diverters. Each water diverter can be configuredto redirect water as it passes a transom of the hull. Each waterdiverter can be movable by one of said plurality of actuators. Eachwater diverter can include a vertical orientation configured to shape aside of the wake for surfing, the first water diverter shaping the rightside of the wake and the second water diverter shaping the left side ofthe wake.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a boat configured toproduce a wake for wake surfing. The boat can include a hull configuredto produce a wake when the hull moves through water. The boat also caninclude one or more wake modifying elements having a first setting thatis configured to produce a right-side surf wake, and a second settingthat is configured to produce a left-side surf wake and one or moreactuators configured to move the one or more wake modifying elementsfrom the first setting to the second setting. The boat also can includea user input device configured to receive input from a usercorresponding to a selection of the left-side surf wake. The boat alsocan include one or more actuators activated in response to the selectionof the left-side surf wake to move the one or more wake modifyingelements to the second setting to produce the left-side surf wake andthe right-side wake that is unsuitable for surfing. Various embodimentsof the disclosure relate to a boat that includes one or more ridernotification elements configured to provide a rider notification inresponse to the selection of the left-side surf wake, wherein the ridernotification is configured to inform a wake surfer that the wake willtransition, or is transitioning, from the right-side surf wake to theleft-side surf wake.

Moreover in various combinations of embodiments, the one or more ridernotification elements are configured to provide a visual ridernotification. The one or more rider notification elements can includeone or more lights. The one or more lights can be on a transom of theboat, on a swim platform of the boat, or on a wake tower of the boat, orsome or all of the foregoing. The one or more rider notificationelements can be configured to provide an audio rider notification. Theone or more rider notification elements can include one or more audiospeakers. The rider notification can include a plurality of sounds thatprecede the transition from the right-side surf wake to the left-sidesurf wake. The one or more rider notification elements can be configuredto provide a visual rider notification and the audio rider notification.The one or more rider notification elements can be configured to providethe rider notification at a first time, and the one or more actuatorscan activate at a second time that is later than the first time by adelay time. A memory can be configured to store a plurality of delaytimes, and the user input device can be configured to receive aselection corresponding to a selected delay time. The one or moreactuators can activate at the second time that is later than the firsttime by the selected delay time. The delay time may be based at least inpart on one or more of a rider identifier, a rider skill level, a riderweight, a surfboard length, a surfboard type, a wake height, a wakelength, and a wake shape. One or more driver notification elements canbe configured to provide a driver notification in response to theselection of the left-side surf wake. The driver notification can beconfigured to inform a driver that the wake will transition, or istransitioning, from the right-side surf wake to the left-side surf wake.The user input device can be configured to be operated by an operatorthat is not the driver of the boat.

In various embodiments, a boat comprises a hull configured to produce awake when the hull moves through water. The boat can include one or morewake modifying elements configured to modify the wake and one or morerider notification elements configured to provide a rider notificationthat the one or more wake modifying elements is changing the wake orwill change the wake. The one or more wake modifying elements can beconfigured to produce an asymmetrical wake having a right-side surf wakeor a left-side surf wake, and the one or more rider notificationelements can be configured to provide the rider notification when thewake is transitioning, or will transition, from a right-side surf waketo a left-side surf wake or from a left-side surf wake to a right-sidesurf wake. The one or more wake modifying elements can be configured tomodify the height of the wake. The one or more rider notificationelements can be configured to provide the rider notification when thewake height is changing or when the wake height will change. The one ormore wake modifying elements can be configured to modify the shape ofthe wake, and the one or more rider notification elements can beconfigured to provide the rider notification when the wake shape ischanging or when the wake shape will change. The one or more wakemodifying elements can include a foil (e.g., configured to pull a rearof the boat down into the water as the boat moves through the water).The foil can be movable between two or more positions, and the one ormore rider notification elements can be configured to provide the ridernotification when the foil is moving or is going to move. The one ormore rider notification elements can be configured to provide a visualrider notification. The one or more rider notification elements an beconfigured to provide an audio rider notification.

Various embodiments can include a boat configured to produce a wake forwake surfing. The boat can include a hull configured to produce a wakewhen the hull moves through water, and one or more wake modifyingelements having a first setting that is configured to produce aright-side surf wake and a left-side wake that is unsuitable forsurfing, and a second setting that is configured to produce a left-sidesurf wake and a right-side wake that is unsuitable for surfing. The boatalso can include one or more actuators configured to move the one ormore wake modifying elements from the first setting to the secondsetting and from the second setting to the first setting. The boat alsocan include a rider control device that includes one or more user inputelements configured to enable a rider (e.g., wake surfer) to select theright-side surf wake and configured to enable the wake surfer to selectthe left-side surf wake. The rider control device can include a wirelesscommunication interface configured to transmit data corresponding to aselection received by the user input elements. A wireless communicationinterface is configured to receive the transmitted data corresponding tothe selection received by the user input elements. One or more actuatorscan be actuated in response to the data corresponding to the selectionreceived by the user input elements to move the one or more wakemodifying elements to the first setting in response to selection of theright-side surf wake and to move the one or more wake modifying elementsto the second setting in response to selection of the left-side surfwake.

In various embodiments, the rider control device can include a wearablearticle configured to be worn on a body of the wake surfer. The wearablearticle can include one or more of an arm band, a watch, a necklace, avest, and a jacket. The rider control device can be water resistant. Therider control device can include a waterproof housing. The rider controldevice can be configured to float in water. The one or more drivernotification elements can be configured to provide a driver notificationin response to the data corresponding to the selection received by theuser input elements. The driver notification can be configured to informa driver that the wake will transition, or is transitioning, from theright-side surf wake to the left-side surf wake or from the left-sidesurf wake to the right-side surf wake.

In various embodiments, a boat can include a hull configured to producea wake when the hull moves through water, one or more wake modifyingelements configured to modify the wake, and a rider control deviceconfigured to receive input from a rider. The wake modifying elementscan be configured modify the wake in response to the input from therider (e.g., received by the rider control device. In some embodiments,the boat can include a controller configured to modify the wake usingthe one or more wake modifying elements in response to the input fromthe rider.

In various embodiments, the rider control device can include a wirelesscommunication interface configured to transmit data corresponding to theinput from the rider to the boat (e.g., to the controller). The one ormore wake modifying elements can be configured to produce anasymmetrical wake having a right-side surf wake or a left-side surfwake, and the rider control device can include one or more user inputelements configured to receive a selection of the right-side surf wakeand to receive a selection of the left-side surf wake.

In various embodiments, the rider control device can include one or moreuser input elements configured to receive a selection corresponding to awake height or a wake length. The one or more wake modifying elementscan be configured to change the wake height or the wake length inresponse to the selection. For example, a controller can be configuredto move the one or more wake modifying elements to change the wakeheight or the wake length in response to the selection. The one or morewake modifying elements can include a foil configured to pull a rear ofthe boat down into the water as the boat moves through the water, andthe foil can be movable between two or more positions. The foil can bemovable in response to the selection received by the rider controldevice, to modify the wake. For example, a controller can be configuredto move the foil in response to the selection received by the ridercontrol device. The rider control device can include a wearable articleconfigured to be worn on a body of the wake surfer, can be waterresistant, and can be configured to float in water.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a wearable rider controldevice for controlling a wake of a boat. The rider control can include awearable element configured to be worn on a body of a rider and one ormore user input elements configured to receive input from the riderassociated with a change for a wake of a boat. The device can alsoinclude a wireless communication interface configured to transmit datacorresponding to a selection received by the user input elements.

In various embodiments, the one or more user input elements can beconfigured to enable the rider to select a right-side surf wake andconfigured to enable the rider to select a left-side surf wake. Thewearable element can include one or more of an arm band, a watch, anecklace, a vest, and a jacket, and can include a water resistanthousing, a waterproof housing, and/or can be configured to float inwater.

In various embodiments, the boat can include a hull configured toproduce a wake when the hull moves through water and one or more wakemodifying elements configured to produce an asymmetrical wake having aright-side surf wake or a left-side surf wake. The boat can include awireless communication interface configured to receive data from a ridercontrol device. The data can correspond to selection of the right-sidesurf wake or the left-side surf wake. The one or more wake modifyingelements can be configured produce the right-side surf wake in responseto the data corresponding to selection of the right-side surf wake andto produce the left-side surf wake in response to the data correspondingto selection of the left-side surf wake. For example, a controller canbe configured to modify the wake using the one or more wake modifyingelements to have the right-side surf wake in response to the datacorresponding to selection of the right-side surf wake and to have theleft-side surf wake in response to the data corresponding to selectionof the left-side surf wake. In various embodiments, a rider controldevice can be included.

Various embodiments can includes a boat having a hull configured toproduce a wake when the hull moves through water and one or more wakeside adjustment elements having a first setting that is configured toproduce a right-side surf wake and a left-side wake that is unsuitablefor surfing, and a second setting that is configured to produce aleft-side surf wake and a right-side wake that is unsuitable forsurfing. The boat also can include one or more wake shape adjustmentelements movable between two or more positions to adjust one or more ofa wake height, a wake length, and a wake steepness. The boat can includea user input device configured to receive selections from a user. Theone or more wake side adjustment elements can move to the first settingin response to a selection received by the user input devicecorresponding to a right-side surf wake. The one or more wake sideadjustment elements can move to the second setting in response to aselection received by the user input device corresponding to a left-sidesurf wake. The one or more wake shape adjustment elements can move inresponse to a selection receive by the user input device correspondingto a change in one or more of the wake height, the wake length, and thewake steepness. For example, in some embodiments, the boat can include acontroller configured to move the one or more wake side adjustmentelements to the first setting in response to a selection received by theuser input device corresponding to a right-side surf wake, configured tomove the one or more wake side adjustment elements to the second settingin response to a selection received by the user input devicecorresponding to a left-side surf wake, and configured to move the oneor more wake shape adjustment elements in response to a selectionreceive by the user input device corresponding to a change in one ormore of the wake height, the wake length, and the wake steepness.

In various embodiments, the one or more wake shape adjustment elementscan include a foil movable between a deployed position and a retractedposition. The foil can be configured to pull a rear of the boat downinto the water as the boat moves through the water when the foil is inthe deployed position. The user input device can include a singleselection element that corresponds to a right-side surf wake having afirst height, and the one or more wake side adjustment elements can moveto the first setting and the one or more wake shape adjustment elementscan move to a positioned that corresponds to the first height inresponse to a selection of the single selection element. The user inputdevice can include a second single selection element that corresponds toa left-side surf wake having a second height, and the one or more wakeside adjustment elements can move to the second setting and the one ormore wake shape adjustment elements can move to a positioned thatcorresponds to the second height in response to a selection of thesecond single selection element. The single selection element caninclude a button.

In various embodiments, a boat can be configured to produce a wake forwake surfing. The boat can include a hull configured to produce a wakewhen the hull moves through water and one or more wake modifyingelements having a first setting that is configured to produce aright-side surf wake and a left-side wake that is unsuitable forsurfing, and a second setting that is configured to produce a left-sidesurf wake and a right-side wake that is unsuitable for surfing. The boatcan include a rudder configured to steer the boat as the hull movesthrough the water and a steering device configured to enable a driver tooperate the rudder to steer the boat. The steering device (e.g.,steering wheel) can include one or more user input elements configuredto receive input from the driver corresponding to a selection of aright-side surf wake or a left-side surf wake. The one or more wakemodifying elements can move to the first setting in response to aselection received by the user input elements corresponding to theright-side surf wake. The one or more wake modifying elements can moveto the second setting in response to a selection received by the userinput elements corresponding to the left-side surf wake. For example, insome embodiments, the boat can include a controller configured to movethe one or more wake modifying elements to the first setting in responseto a selection received by the user input elements corresponding to theright-side surf wake and configured to move the one or more wakemodifying elements to the second setting in response to a selectionreceived by the user input elements corresponding to the left-side surfwake.

In various embodiments, the steering device can include a steering wheelor a joystick. The steering device can include a wireless communicationinterface configured to transmit data corresponding to a selectionreceived by the one or more user input elements. The boat can include awireless communication interface (e.g., in communication with thecontroller) and configured to receive the data transmitted from thewireless communication interface of the steering device. The one or moreinput elements can be configured to enable the driver to adjust one ormore of a wake height, a wake length, and a wake steepness.

In various embodiments, a boat can be configured to produce a wake forwake surfing, and can include comprises a hull configured to produce awake when the hull moves through water. The boat can include and aleft-side upright flap positioned on a left side of the boat, and theleft-side upright flap can be movable between a retracted position and adeployed position. The deployed position can be configured to produce aright-side surf wake. The left-side upright flap can include an edgedisposed along a corresponding left portion of the hull with a gapbetween the edge and the left portion of the hull when the left-sideupright flap is in the deployed position. The left portion of the hullcan be substantially linear, and the edge can be substantially linear.

In various embodiments, the hull can include a chamfer line, and theedge of the left-side upright flap can be substantially entirelydisposed below the chamfer line at the left portion of the hull when theleft-side upright flap is in the deployed position. A right-side uprightflap can be positioned on a right side of the boat, and the right-sideupright flap can be movable between a retracted position and a deployedposition. The deployed position can be configured to produce a left-sidesurf wake. The right-side upright flap can include an edge disposedalong a corresponding right portion of the hull with a gap between theedge of the right-side upright flap and the right portion of the hull.The right portion of the hull can be substantially linear, and the edgeof the right-side upright flap can be substantially linear. The hull caninclude a chamfer line, and the edge of the right-side upright flap canbe substantially entirely disposed below the chamfer line at the rightportion of the hull when the right-side upright flap is in the deployedposition. The gap can be less than or equal to about 10 mm and/or can beat least about 0.1 mm. A spray reducing element can be configured to atleast partially cover or fill the gap between the left-side upright flapand the corresponding left portion of the hull. The spray reducingelement can be coupled to the left-side upright flap and can extend pastthe edge of the left-side upright flap towards the hull when theleft-side upright flap is in the deployed position such that the sprayreducing element at least partially covers the gap. The spray reducingelement can include a rigid plate. The spray reducing element caninclude a flexible material. The spray reducing element can beconfigured to abut against the hull when the left-side upright flap isin the deployed position.

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to a wakemodifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft travelingthrough water.

In various aspects of the present invention, the wake modifying systemmay include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steeringthe watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantiallyalong a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein thefin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by thewatercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within thewatercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relativeto the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowingan operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to adesired angle θd relative to the centerline.

The fin may be disposed along the centerline substantially adjacent amidline of the watercraft, wherein the fin includes a short portionextending in a direction from the upright axis and a long portionextending in another direction from the upright axis, and wherein thelong portion may be longer than the short portion. A length ratio of theshort portion and the long portion may be approximately 13. The shortportion and the long portion have lengths of approximately 3.5 inchesand approximately 8.5 inches, respectively.

The wake modifying system may further include another fin pivotallymounted to the watercraft substantially along the centerline of thewatercraft and forward the fin, wherein the another fin pivots aboutanother upright axis substantially parallel to the upright axis. Each ofthe fin and the another fin include short and long portions extending inopposing directions from the upright axis and the another upright axis,respectively. The short portion of both the fin and the another finextend in a direction from the upright axis and the another uprightaxis, respectively. The long portion of both the fin and the another finextend in another direction from the upright axis and the anotherupright axis, respectively, wherein the actuator may be operably coupledto both the fin and the another fin for pivoting the fins relative tothe centerline in phase.

One end of the actuator may be affixed to the watercraft and another endthereof may be operably coupled to the fin by a link mechanism. One endof the actuator may be affixed to the watercraft and another end thereofmay be operably coupled to the fin by a rack and pinion.

The controller may be configured to control the actuator to return thefin to approximately 0° relative to the centerline when a speed of thewatercraft may be above a predetermined speed, wherein the predeterminedspeed may be approximately 10 miles per hour. Maximum value of thedesired angle may be approximately 22°. The controller includes a touchscreen allowing the operator to set the desired angle. The rudder may bepivoted in opposite direction of rotation direction of the fin.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other featuresand advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in moredetail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, andthe following Detailed Description of the Invention, which togetherserve to explain certain principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary surf wake systemincluding a pair of flap assemblies in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the flap assemblies ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the exemplary surf wake system ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematic views of the flap assembly of FIG. 2in extended and retracted positions, respectively.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are schematic views of the exemplary surfwake system of FIG. 1 in which the flap assemblies are positioned forcruising, a starboard side surf wake, and a port side surf wake,respectively.

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C illustrate conventional, starboard surf,and port surf wakes, respectively, as produced by the surf wake systemof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6D shows a wake having a starboard-side surf wake and adisorganized port-side wake.

FIG. 6E shows a wake having a port-side surf wake and a disorganizedstarboard-side wake.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary cockpit of a watercraftincorporating a surf wake system including an input controller foroperation of the surf wake system.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E and FIG. 8F are exemplaryscreen shots of the input controller of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an exemplary control system of a surf wakesystem in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary surf wake systemincluding contoured flap assemblies with a complementary swim platformin accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the exemplary surf wake system of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are a rear and plan views of an exemplary surfwake system including a flap assembly integrated with a complementaryswim platform in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B FIG. 13C are schematic plan views illustrating theoperation of the exemplary surf wake system in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are rear and side views of another exemplary flapassembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B and FIG. 15C are side and top views of otherexemplary flap assemblies in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15D shows an example embodiment of a water diverter that includesan indentation that corresponds to the shape of the transom.

FIGS. 15E-15J show various example embodiments of spray reducingelements that can be configured to reduce or eliminate cross-spray fromthe water diverters.

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are rear perspective and rear elevation views,respectively of another exemplary flap assembly integrated with acomplementary swim platform in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an exemplary surf wake system includingside-hull flap assemblies in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an exemplary surf wake system includinglongitudinally extendable flap assemblies in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of an example embodiment of awater removable water diverter coupled to a coupling member on a boat.

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the coupling member of FIG. 20on the boat with the water diverter removed therefrom.

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view showing multiple exampleembodiments of water diverters compatible for use interchangeably withthe boat.

FIG. 22 shows an example embodiment of a boat with a wake shaping systemthat includes rider notification elements.

FIG. 23 shows another example embodiment of a boat with a wake shapingsystem that includes rider notification elements.

FIG. 24 shows another example embodiment of a boat with a wake shapingsystem that includes rider notification elements.

FIG. 25 shows an example embodiment of a boat with a wake shaping systemthat includes rider notification elements.

FIG. 26 shows an example embodiment of a boat with a wake shapingsystem.

FIG. 27A shows an example embodiment of a wake shaping system thatincludes a rider control device.

FIG. 27B shows an example embodiment of a wake shaping system thatincludes an operator control device.

FIG. 28 shows an example embodiment of a boat having a movable swimplatform.

FIG. 29 shows the movable swim platform of FIG. 28 in a raised position.

FIG. 30 shows an example embodiment of a steering wheel with wakecontrol input elements incorporated therein to facilitate control of thewake by a driver.

FIG. 31 shows an example embodiment of a user interface for selectingdifferent types of surf wakes.

FIG. 32 shows an example embodiment of a boat and a data center that cansend and receive data from the boat.

FIG. 33 shows a boat in a relatively level orientation with a chair at afirst position.

FIG. 34 shows a boat with the bow lifted upward and the chair in asecond position.

FIG. 35 shows an example embodiment of a boat that includes aforward-facing camera and a display configured to display images of thearea in front of the boat.

FIG. 36 shows an example embodiment of a boat that includes aretractable tow rope.

FIG. 37 shows an example embodiment of a boat that includes features formanually positioning the water diverters.

FIG. 38 shows an example embodiment of a boat with the water divertersin a collapsed position.

FIG. 39 shows an example embodiment of a boat with interchangeable foilson a wake shaping element.

FIG. 40 is a side view of an exemplary surf wake system havingadjustable surf fins according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is an enlarged perspective view of two fins of FIG. 40 alignedalong a centerline.

FIG. 42 is an enlarged schematic view of the actuator and the two finsof FIG. 41 aligned along a centerline of a watercraft.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged perspective view of the two fins of FIG. 40tilted with a predetermined angle with respect to a centerline of awatercraft.

FIG. 44 is an enlarged schematic view of the actuator and two fins ofFIG. 40 wherein the two fins are tilted with a predetermined angle withrespect to the centerline.

FIGS. 45 (A) and (B) are schematic views illustrating two fins alignedalong a center line of the watercraft and operation thereof, where longportions of the fins are oriented aft of a watercraft according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a schematic view illustrating two fins, wherein a longportion of a fin is oriented toward the bow and a long portion ofanother fin is oriented aft of a watercraft according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention

FIGS. 47 (A) and (B) are schematic views illustrating two fins, whereina long portion of a fin is oriented toward the bow and a long portion ofanother fin is oriented aft, and wherein each fin is controlledindependently to be placed in the same side with respect to thecenterline of a watercraft according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 48 (A) and (B) are schematic views illustrating two fins, whereina long portion of a fin is oriented toward the bow and a long portion ofanother fin is oriented aft, and wherein each fin is controlledindependently to be placed in the opposite side with respect to thecenterline of a watercraft according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view illustrating two fins coupled to an actuatorvia a link mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 50 is a schematic view illustrating two fins coupled to an actuatorvia a rack and pinion according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variousfeatures illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. Thespecific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein,including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations,and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intendedapplication and use environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thepresent invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) willbe described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will beunderstood that the present description is not intended to limit theinvention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplaryembodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalentsand other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Generally, the present invention relates to a surf wake system for awatercraft that is concerned with flow management of water passing thestern as the water craft is moving forward through a body of water, sothat water is directed in such a manner to enhance size, shape and/orother characteristics the resulting wake of the watercraft. As willbecome apparent below, the surf wake system of the watercraft allowsdiversion of water passing along one side of the stern away from theusual converging area immediately behind the transom of the watercraft,so that the diverging water will enhance the resulting wake on theopposing side of the watercraft. In doing so, the surf wake system ofthe present invention allows the enhancement of wake without significantpitching or leaning of the watercraft to one side or the other.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the various figures, attention isdirected to FIG. 1 which illustrates a watercraft 30 equipped a surfwake system 32 for modifying a wake formed by the watercraft travellingthrough water. Advantageously, the surf wake system may enhance surfwakes with or without supplemental ballast and thus it is possible toenhance wake with less watercraft lean. The surf wake system of thepresent invention in general includes one or more water diverters 33,each water diverter is adjustably mounted relative to the watercraft fordeflecting water travelling past a transom 35 of the watercraft.Broadly, the water diverters are movably mounted with respect to transom35.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water diverters are in the form offlaps 33, pivotally mounted on respective hinges 37, which have a pivotaxis 39 extending adjacent and along a side edge 40 of the transom.Although the illustrated embodiment shows the flaps mounted directly onthe transom, one will appreciate that the flaps may be moveably mounteddirectly or indirectly to the transom. For example, the flaps andassociated hardware may be mounted on a removable swim platform or otherstructure that is mounted on or adjacent the transom.

As also shown in FIG. 1 , watercraft 30 may be equipped with awake-modifying device 42 to enhance the overall size of the wake formedby the watercraft. One such device is sold by Malibu Boats as the PowerWedge, which is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,318,the entire content of which is incorporated herein for all purposes bythis reference. Another such device may incorporate pivotal centerlinefins of the type developed by Malibu Boats and described in U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/535,438, the entire content of which is alsoincorporated herein for all purposes by this reference. One willappreciate that, while various other wake modifying devices may be verybeneficial in enhancing the size and shape of a wake, such other wakemodifying devices need not be used, nor is essential to be used, incombination with the surf wake system of the present invention.Similarly, one will appreciate that positioning extra weight or ballastadjacent the transom may also be very beneficial in enhancing the sizeof a wake, with or without the use of a wake modifying device, however,such weight or ballast need not be used, nor is essential to be used, incombination with the surf wake system of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , a side edge is the intersection of the transomwith either a port side strake 44 p or a starboard side strake 44 s,wherein the suffixes “p” and “s” represent features on the port side andthe starboard side, respectively. Therefore, the intersection of thetransom with the port side strake is referred to as the port side edge40 p and the intersection of the transom with the starboard side strakeis referred to as the starboard side edge 40 s. Accordingly, a port sideflap 33 p refers to a flap adjacent the port side edge, and a starboardside flap 33 s refers to a flap adjacent the starboard side edge.

In general, a distance L between a respective pivot axis and the sideedge is less than the longest dimension of the flap in order to allowthe flap to extend parallel to the side strake of the hull or beyond.The distance is preferably less than 10-5 inches and more preferablyless than 5 inches. That is, the flaps are positioned away from animaginary center line or longitudinal axis of the watercraft andadjacent a respective port side or starboard side.

For illustration purposes, the pivot axis of the hinge shown in thisapplication is drawn parallel to the corresponding side edge. One willappreciate that the pivot axis does not necessary need to be parallel tothe corresponding side edge. One will also appreciate that the pivotaxis may be substantially vertical, substantially parallel to the sideedge, some other angle therebetween, or some angle slightly inclinedwith respect to the side edge. Preferably the angle between the pivotaxis and the side edge is less than approximately 15°, more preferablyless than 10°, and even more preferably less than 5°.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the surf wake system also includesone or more positioners or actuators 46, each secured on the watercraftand operably connected to a respective flap 33. In the illustratedembodiment, the actuators are linear actuators including electricmotors. However, one will appreciate that other suitable actuators maybe employed to move the flaps, including hydraulic and pneumatic motors.Preferably the actuators are watertight or water resistant, and morepreferably waterproof. The actuators are configured to pivot the flapsabout their respective pivot axis and position the flaps in differentpositions, as will be discussed in greater detail below. One will alsoappreciate that manual actuators or positioners may be utilized tosecure the flaps in a desired position.

In various embodiments, the actuators may be electric actuators of thetype manufactured by Lenco Marine Inc. which include alinearly-extendable threaded rod assembly driven by a step motor. Invarious embodiments, the actuator may be configured to move between aninner retracted position and an outer extended position, while in otherembodiments, the actuators are configured to also move to one or moreinterim positions, for example, every 5°, 10°, 15°, etc. By activatingthe actuator for predetermined periods of time, the actuator may beaccurately and repeatedly controlled to move to the desired position.One will appreciate that the actuator may be configured to accommodate awide variety of angular ranges as well as interim positions.

One will also appreciate that other actuators may be utilized inaccordance with the present invention. For example, hydraulic andpneumatic actuators may be used, as well as manual actuators.

Turning now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, port side flap 33 p is shown in twodifferent positions, namely an outward position in FIG. 4A and a neutralposition in FIG. 4B. As illustrated, the flap in the outward positionextends away from a longitudinal axis 47 of watercraft 30 as the flapmoves in the direction illustrated by arrow A. In the illustratedembodiment, the flap and has at least a portion of the flap extendingoutwardly beyond the side strake and the transom. In the neutralposition, the flap extends toward the center line as it moves in thedirection illustrated by arrow B and is located behind the transom andinboard of the side strake 44 p. In various embodiments of the presentinvention, the flap has an angle θ1 of approximately 0° to 45°,preferably between 5° to 30°, and more preferably 5° to 15° relative tothe longitudinal axis of the watercraft when the flap extends to itsoutermost position, and has an angle θ2 of approximately 0 to −90°,preferably −15° to −30° relative to the longitudinal axis when the flapextends in its innermost position. One will also appreciate that systemmay be configured to allow the flap to laterally extend beyond the sidestrake substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thewatercraft in order to redirect and/or deflect water passing along thewater craft as it moves beyond the transom. Alternatively, one willappreciate that the flap may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis todirect water straight back and prevent water from flowing directlybehind the transom. While extending the flap beyond the side strake willlikely delay convergence of water to a greater degree (as will becomeapparent below), extending the flap parallel to the longitudinal axismay sufficiently delay convergence of water to produce a desiredwaveform.

One will appreciate that the surf wake system of the present inventionmay be configured to hold the flaps in one or more interim positionsbetween their respective outward and neutral positions. For example, thesurf wake system may be configured to hold the flaps at 0°, 5°, 10°,15°, 20°, 25°, 30° and etc. relative to the centerline. Such interimpositions may allow the system to further modify or incrementally modifythe resulting wake, and may thus accommodate surfer preferences. Forexample, such interim positions may more precisely shape the wake toaccommodate for specific watercraft setup, watercraft speed, watercraftweight, passenger weight variances and distributions, and othervariables to provide a desired wake shape and waveform. Moreover, anumber of interim positions may optimize waveform for various otherparameters such user preferences. For example, experienced surfers mayprefer larger faster wakes, while novice surfers may want a smaller,slower manageable wake.

As a watercraft travels through water, the watercraft displaces waterand generates waves including bow waves and diverging stern waves. Dueto pressure differences and other phenomena, these waves generallyconverge in the hollow formed behind the watercraft and interfere witheach other to form an otherwise conventional wake behind the watercraft,such as that shown in FIG. 6A. As noted above, such a wake is generallysmall, choppy or too close to the watercraft to be suitable and safe forwater sports, and particularly not suitable for wake surfing.

By moving a flap of the present invention to an outward position,however, water is redirected, which may lead to constructiveinterference to form a larger wake having a higher peak and a smootherface, which wake is conducive for surfing. In addition, the flap mayredirect water so that the larger wake is formed further away from thewatercraft, and thus creating a safer environment for surfing. Moreover,by placing the flaps along the side edges, the watercraft can generate asuitable surfing wake with less tilt or lean to one side, thus makingthe watercraft easier to control. One will appreciate that the flaps mayenhance wake shape and size with or without the use of significantadditional weight or ballast located toward the rear corners of thewatercraft. Other advantages will become apparent later on in thedescription of the operation of the present invention.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the wake system mayinclude one or more flap assemblies, for example, one or more port flapassemblies, and/or one or more starboard flap assemblies may be used.Preferably, the wake system is configured and positioned to have oneflap and corresponding hinge immediately adjacent each of the port sideedge and the starboard side edge.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the flap is asubstantially planar member, as can be seen in FIG. 2 . The flap isgenerally dimensioned and configured such that the top of the flap islocated within the resting freeboard distance (i.e., the distancebetween the waterline and the gunwale) and will be located approximatelyat the waterline while the watercraft is at use accommodating for bothwatercraft speed and displacement with additional ballast and/orpassenger weight.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flap is approximately 14 inches high,approximately 17 inches long and approximately ¾ inch thick. One willappreciate that the actual dimensions of the flap may vary. Preferably,the flap is approximately 10-18 inches high, approximately 12-22 incheslong, and approximately ½ to 1¼ inches thick, and more preferablyapproximately 12-16 inches high, 15-19 inches long, and ¾ to 1 inchthick. One will appreciate that the deeper the flap extends below thewaterline, the more water will be diverted.

In addition, one will appreciate that the flap need not be planar andits actual dimensions will vary depending on the size of the watercraft,the demand of the type of the wake and/or other factors. Other suitableconfigurations and sizes can be employed, including curved surfaces,curved edges, different geometric profiles, and/or different surfacetextures. The flap can be made of plastic, stainless steel, fiberglass,composites, and/or other suitable materials. For example, the flap maybe formed of gelcoated fiberglass and/or stainless trim plate.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, in the illustrated embodiment, hinge 37, is ajointed device having a first hinge member 49 pivotally affixed to asecond hinge member 51 by a pin 53. First member 49 is affixed to thewatercraft and second member 51 is affixed to flap 33. One willappreciate that other hinge devices may be utilized. For example, thehinge may include a flexible member allowing relative pivotal motioninstead of a pinned joint. In addition, various configurations may beutilized. For example, the second member may be monolithically formedwith the flap.

Turning back to FIG. 3 , wake system 32 may include a controller 54 thatis operationally connected to actuators 46, of the wake system, whichactuators selectively control the positions of respective flaps 33.

An exemplary method of operating the surf wake system in exemplaryembodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 5-8 . A pair of flaps 33 p, 33 s with their respective hinges 37p, 37 s and actuators 46 p, 46 s are installed on transom 35 of thewatercraft adjacent respective side edges 40, one on the port side andthe other on the starboard side of the watercraft. One will appreciatethat the present invention is not limited to this specificconfiguration. The number of the flaps and the positions thereof can bevaried as noted previously.

As shown in FIG. 5A, both flaps are retracted and positioned in theirneutral positions behind transom 35, and not extending outward oroutboard form their respective port and starboard side strakes 44 p, 44s. At such positions, the flaps in general do not interference with thewaves generated by the watercraft travelling through water, and hencehave no or negligible effects on the wake, and thus the flaps can bepositioned in such configuration for cruising. As shown in FIG. 6A,having the flaps positioned in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5A doesnot redirect water passing by the transom that thus produces anotherwise conventional wake, that is, one without a smooth face or ahigh peak, and is thus not suitable for surfing.

Turning to FIG. 5B, when a starboard surf wake is desired, port sideflap 33 p is positioned in an outward position while the starboard sideflap 33 s remains in a neutral position. Since the port side flap is inan outward position and thus extends beyond the port side strake 44 p,waves on the port side are redirected, which facilitates constructiveinterference of converging waves to form a larger starboard wake with ahigher peak and smoother face that is suitable for starboard surfing,such as that shown in FIG. 6B. Comparing to the non-enhanced wake ofFIG. 6A with the starboard wake shown in FIG. 6B, it is evident thatsurf wake system 32 modified and/or enhanced the wake with a smooth faceand a relatively high peak. As can be seen in FIG. 6B, waist-high peaksof three or four feet are attainable, thus providing a reproducible wakethat is suitable for surfing. FIG. 6D shows a wake having astarboard-side surf wake that is suitable for wake surfing and adisorganized port-side wake that is not suitable for wake surfing. Insome embodiments, when the port side flap 33 p is deployed (e.g., in anoutward position) and when the starboard side flap 33 s is in theneutral position, the wake of the water craft can have a starboard-sidesurf wake and a disorganized port-side wake (as shown in FIG. 6D).

Turning to FIG. 5C, when a port side surf wake is desired, starboardside flap 33 s is positioned in an outward position while the port sideflap 33 p remains in a neutral position. Now that the starboard sideflap is an outward position, the surf wake system, a port side wake,such as that shown in FIG. 6C is produced in a manner similar to thatdescribed above. Such configuration produces a left side surf wake.Comparing to the non-enhanced wake of FIG. 6A with the port side wakeshown in FIG. 6C, it is evident that surf wake system 32 modified and/orenhanced the port side wake with a smooth face and a relatively highpeak. As can be seen in FIG. 6C, waist-high peaks of three or four feetare attainable, thus providing a reproducible wake that is suitable forsurfing. FIG. 6E shows a wake having a port-side surf wake that issuitable for wake surfing and a disorganized starboard-side wake that isnot suitable for wake surfing. In some embodiments, when the starboardside flap 33 s is deployed (e.g., in an outward position) and when theport side flap 33 p is in the neutral position, the wake of the watercraft can have a port-side surf wake and a disorganized starboard-sidewake (as shown in FIG. 6E).

As noted before, the watercraft equipped with the surf wake system ofthe present invention can generate a suitable surfing wake with orwithout adding significant extra weight at a rear corner of thewatercraft. As such, weight need not be moved from one side to another,and thus no significant shifting of the watercraft from one side to theother is not required, and thus there are no significant changes to thehandling of the watercraft. The surf wake system of the presentinvention allows switching from a port side wake to a starboard wake, orvice versa, on demand or “on the fly” thus accommodating both regular(or natural) and goofy surfers, as well as surfers that are sufficientlycompetent to switch from a port side wake to a starboard wake whileunder way. To this end, the controller is preferably configured to allowoperation of the actuators on-demand and on-the-fly.

In addition to modifying wakes for recreational purposes, the waterdiverters of the surf wake system may be activated for other purposessuch as steering assist. For example, the port flap may be actuated toprovide turning assist to the left at gear idle, and similarly thestarboard flap actuated to provide turning assist to the right. Thus,with an appropriate flap extended, the watercraft may turn within a verysmall radius around a fallen skier, boarder or surfer. Also, it issometimes difficult for inboard watercraft to turn to left while movingbackwards, the flaps may be activated to assist in such maneuvering. Onewill appreciate that the control system may be configured to utilizeinput from the steering system and/or the drive system to determine anappropriate level of “turning assist”. For example, the control systemmay be configured such that turning assist would only work below apredetermined speed, for example 7 mph. One will also appreciate thatsuch turning assist may utilize controls that that are integrated intothe surf wake system, or alternatively, such turning assist may utilizediscrete controls to that are separately activated in accordance withthe needs of turning assistance.

Turning now to FIG. 7 , watercraft 30 includes a steering wheel 56 andthrottle control 58 and instrument panel bearing a tachometer 60 andspeedometer 61. In addition, the water craft includes a multipurposegraphical display 63 and/or a discrete input device 65. The graphicdisplay and the touch screen are operably connected to or integratedwith controller 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device is adiscrete touch screen, however, one will appreciate that the graphicdisplay and the input device may be integrated into a single device, forexample, a single screen that is suitable for both displayinginformation and receiving touch screen inputs. Alternatively, a varietyof switches, buttons and other input devices may be utilized instead of,or in addition to, a touch screen device.

Display 63 is configured to convey a variety of desired information suchas speed of the watercraft, water depth, and/or other useful informationconcerning the watercraft and operation thereof including, but notlimited to, various service alerts, such as low oil pressure, lowbattery voltage, etc., and/or operational alerts such as shallow water,bilge pump status, etc.

Input device 65 is primarily configured to receive a variety of inputcommands from the watercraft operator. In accordance with the presentinvention, and with reference to FIG. 8A, the input display includes aSURF GATE center which serves as input control for operation of surfwake system 32. As shown, the input control may include buttons 67 toactivate surf wake system 32 to generate a surfable wake on the leftportside or on the right starboard side. For example, if the operatorchooses to generate a portside surfable wake, the operator may selectleft button 67, which in turn would cause controller 54 to extend flap33 s to generate a left port side wake in the manner described above.And the operator may similarly press right button 67 to generate a rightstarboard side surfable wake. In accordance with the present invention,an operator may reconfigure the watercraft to switch from a left surfwake mode to a right surf wake mode by pressing a single button.

One will appreciate that other suitable input means may be utilized toactivate the flaps. For example, a graphic or virtual slide assembly maybe provided to activate the flaps as to the desired degree left orright, or a plurality of graphic or virtual buttons may be provided toactivate the flaps to the desired degree left or right. In addition, onewill appreciate that mechanical and/or electromechanical switches andinput devices may also be used to activate the flaps as desired. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more levers, knobs, switches, orother mechanical input devices can be used to receive input from a user.The mechanical input devices can be mechanically coupled to the flaps(e.g., water diverters), e.g., via a cable, rod, or other mechanicalcoupling element, such that actuation of the mechanical input elementactuates the flaps (e.g., water diverters).

With reference to FIG. 8A through FIG. 8F, input device 65 serves as aninput device for other watercraft systems such as Malibu Boats' POWERWEDGE system, ballast tank systems (see, e.g., FIG. 8C), lightingsystems (see, e.g., FIG. 8D), etc.

Also, input device 65 may also provide various alerts regarding theoperation of the surf wake system. For example, FIG. 8A illustrates anoperational alert that the once activated, surf wake system will extendabove 7 mph and retract under 7 mph. One will appreciate that the surfwake system may be configured to operate only within various speedsdeemed suitable for surfing, and may vary from moving to about 20 mph,and in some cases from about 7 mph to about 13 mph. FIG. 8B illustratesa general error alert, FIG. 8C through FIG. 8F illustrate a maximumcurrent warnings for various stages of flap operation to alert theoperator of excessive resistance in moving the flaps form one positionto another.

In various embodiments, the surf wake system can be configured withvarious safety features which limit operation and/or alert the driver tovarious situations. For example, the system may be configured to providea visual and/or audible alarm to alert the operator when the watercraftis traveling faster than a predetermined speed, for example 15 mph.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an exemplary control system 68 in which theuser interface, in the illustrated embodiment, input device 65communicates with controller 54 in order to control flow management byoperating associated wave shaper(s), (e.g., flaps 33 and actuators 46).As illustrated and as noted above, input device 65 may also beconfigured to control other watercraft systems including Malibu Boats'POWER WEDGE system, ballast tank systems.

Control system 32 may also include a memory that is configured to storeinformation regarding watercraft configuration including staticparameters such as hull shape, hull length, weight, etc., as well asdynamic parameters passenger weight, ballast, wedge, speed, fuel, depth,wind, etc. The memory may also include “Rider” information regarding thesurfer (or boarder or skier), including goofy/regular footed, weight,board length, board type, skill level, etc. Moreover, the memory may beconfigured to store “presets” that include the information regarding aspecific “Rider” including the Rider information as well as the Rider'spreferences such as left or right wave, a preferred watercraft speed, apreferred wake height, etc. One will appreciate that the presets couldbe for the surf wake system as well as other parameters including POWERWEDGE setting, watercraft speed, goofy/regular footed, steep wave face,amount of weight, wave size, etc. One will appreciate that such presetswould allow the watercraft operator to quickly reconfigure the surf wakesystem to accommodate various “Riders”, for example very experiencedprofessional wake surfers, beginner wake surfers, and anyone in between.

Control system 32 may also include a remote which may allow a rider toactuate the surf wake system. For example, a remote may allow a rider tofurther deploy or retract flap 33, to an interim position to vary thesize of the wake.

One will appreciate that control system 32 may be integrated into thewatercraft, for example, fully integrated with a CAN bus of thewatercraft. Alternatively, the control system may be an aftermarketsolution which may be installed on a watercraft, either connecting intothe CAN bus, or operating completely independently of the CAN bus.

Turning now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , surf wake system 32 may be utilizedwith a swim platform 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the swimplatform includes tapered sides 72 having recessed notches 74 whichprovide space to receive flaps 33, therein. Such tapered sides andnotches allow for flaps 33, to return to neutral positions which havelittle to no effect on the wake, while allowing for a larger surfacearea of the swim platform. In the illustrated embodiment, the taperedsides extend inwardly approximately 15-30° from the longitudinal axis,however, one will appreciate that actual angle that the tapered sidesangle in may vary, for example, up to approximately 45°. Also, althoughthe depth of the notch is approximately equal to the thickness of thecorresponding flap, one will appreciate that the actual dimensions ofthe notch may vary.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the swim platform has rounded corners 75 which arealso configured to diminish the effect the swim platform has on theresulting wake. In this regard, the rounded corners lessen the amount ofswim platform that contacts water flowing behind the transom, and thuslessens any adverse effect the swim platform may have on the modifiedwake.

Turning now to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, surf wake system 32 is mostlyintegrated into a swim platform and can thus be readily installed on anexisting watercraft in the form of an aftermarket kit. In variousembodiments, swim platform 70 may be mounted to a watercraft in anotherwise conventional fashion, but unlike conventional swim platforms,swim platform 70 includes integrated flaps 33, hinges 37, and actuators46, in which the integrated assembly may be mounted onto a watercraft inmuch the same manner as an otherwise conventional swim platform. In theillustrated embodiment, actuators 46 are manually adjustable in the formof a telescopic rod assembly which may be secured in various lengths,for example, by a link pin extending through one of a plurality of holes53, or by other suitable means. Thus, in various embodiments, the surfwake system of the present invention may be a substantially mechanicalsystem in which the angles of flaps 33 are manually set by the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators are mounted on the swimplatform to selectively deploy the flaps, however, one will appreciatethat the actuators may be mounted on the transom.

One will also appreciate that actuators 46 may be automated in a mannersimilar to that described above, for example, the actuators may beelectric, electromechanical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuators asdescribed above. In the case that the actuators are automated, theactuators may be integrated with the watercraft's existing controlsystem (e.g., by connecting to the CAN bus of the watercraft), or adedicated control system may be installed to control the actuators thatis completely independent of the watercrafts other systems. For example,the control system may include toggle switches or other suitable devicesto selectively move actuators 46 and flaps 33 as desired.

In operation and use, swim platform 70 functions in the same manner asthat described above. The neutral position of surf wake system 32 isshown in FIG. 13A in which flaps 33 are in their neutral, retractedposition. In this position, the flow of water past the transom isunimpeded by the flaps and the water is allowed to converge at it isnatural intersection relatively close to the transom. When a surfablestarboard side wake is desired, the operator may deploy the port sideflap 33 p as shown in FIG. 13B. In this position, the flow of wateralong the port side past the transom is disrupted such that the flow ofwater is redirected outwardly and/or rearwardly thereby delayingconvergence of the port side flow with starboard side flow to a pointfurther from the transom. Such disruption and redirection facilitatesconstructive interference of converging waves to form a larger starboardwake with a higher peak and smoother face that is suitable for starboardsurfing, such as the waveform shown in FIG. 6B.

Similarly, when a surfable port side wake is desired, the operator maydeploy the starboard side flap 33 s as shown in FIG. 13C. In thisposition, the flow of water along the starboard side past the transom isdisrupted such that the flow of water is redirected outwardly and/orrearwardly thereby delaying convergence of the starboard side flow withthe port side flow to a point further from the transom, whichfacilitates constructive interference of converging waves to form alarger portside wake with a higher peak and smoother face that issuitable for starboard surfing, such as the waveform shown in FIG. 6C.

In various embodiments and as noted above, the size and shape of theflaps may vary depending upon varies factors. One such variation isillustrated in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, which shows a channeled flap 33,having a series of parallel horizontally extending channels 77. Thechannels are on the outboard side of the flap and extend linear to thedirection of watercraft travel. The channels may assist in creatinglaminar flow across the gate, thus producing a cleaner waveform.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flap includes five channels, however,one will appreciate that one, two, three or more channels may beutilized to redirect the flow of water as desired. One will alsoappreciate that the channel need not be linear or horizontal. Forexample, the channels may extend at an incline upwardly away fromtransom 35 to direct the flow of water upwardly as it flows along thesurface of flap 33, which may provide a net downward force on the flapand, in turn, the transom to further enhance displacement of thewatercraft stern. Also, the channels may be curved in order to gentlyredirect water upwardly or downwardly. One will also appreciate thatother patterns and/or textured surfaces may also be utilized to managethe direction of flow of water along the flap.

The peripheral shape of flap 33 is similar to that shown in FIG. 10 , aswell as that shown in FIG. 15A. Flap 33 includes a transom indentation79 and a cross-spray protrusion 81. The transom indentation allows forthe flap to be positioned immediately adjacent to the hull such that aminimal gap exists between the transom and the flap, and thus promotinga smooth flow of water along the hull and along the flap. One willappreciate that the actual size and shape of the transom indentation mayvary to accommodate for a wide variety of hulls. The cross-sprayprotrusion 81 is provided to reduce the amount of water at the waterline that is inadvertently kicked up in the form of cross-spray, thusreducing the amount of cross-spray formed by deployment of the flaps. Insome embodiments, the spray reducing element 81 can be a portion of theflap 33 that extends above the water line when the flap 33 is deployedand that is positioned to block spray from the flap 33 (e.g., resultingfrom a gap or interface between the transom 35 and the flap 33). In someembodiments, the spray reducing element 81 can be an integral portion ofthe flap 33, which can be integrally formed with the water divertingportion of the flap 33.

In some embodiments, the spray reducing element 81 can be configured tocover or fill at least a portion of a gap between the transom 35 and thewater diverter (e.g., flap 33), as shown, for example, in FIGS. 15B and15C. The spray reducing element 81 can be coupled to an outside surfaceof the water diverter 33 (e.g., to a surface of the water diverter 33that faces generally away from the longitudinal axis of the boat). Thespray reducing element 81 can encourage water to flow from the side ofthe hull to the water diverter 33 without being deflected (e.g., towardsthe longitudinal axis).

FIG. 15D shows a water diverter 33 in a deployed position. In someembodiments, a gap can be located between at least a portion of thewater diverter 33 and the hull of the boat (e.g., the transom 35) andthe water diverter 33. For example, a gap can be located between thetransom indentation 79 of the water diverter 33 and the transom 35 ofthe boat. The transom indentation 79 can correspond to a tapered shapeof the transom 35 and the shape of the transom indentation 79 can allowthe water diverter 79 to be angled towards the centerline of the boatwhen in the retracted or neutral position (see FIG. 4B). However, whenthe water diverter 33 moves to the extended or deployed position (seeFIG. 4A), the transom indentation 79 can cause there to be a gap betweenthe transom 35 and the water diverter 33. Water flowing from the boathull to the water diverter 33 can be diverted by the gap. For example,the leading edges of the water diverter 33 can cause the water to sprayinward towards the centerline of the boat. In some circumstances, thewater can spray onto the wave that is formed on the side of the boatopposite the deployed water diverter 33, which can degrade the shape ofthe wave. The spray can also cause discomfort for passengers in the boatand can reduce visibility of the rider from the boat. In someembodiments, a spray reducing element 81 can be used to reduce oreliminate the spray.

As shown in FIG. 15E, in some embodiments, the spray reducing element 81can include a cover piece that covers at least a portion of the gap toimpede the water from entering the gap as it flows from the boat hull tothe water diverter 33. The cover piece can be disposed outside of thegap between the water diverter 33 and the boat hull, so that the coverpiece does not interfere with the movement of the water diverter 33toward the retracted or neutral position (FIG. 4B). The cover piece canbe coupled to the outside surface of the water diverter 33 using bolts83, or using an adhesive, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. Whenthe water diverter 33 is in the extended or deployed position (FIG. 4A),the cover piece can abut against the hull or come within close proximityto the hull, thereby reducing or eliminating the cross-spray. The sprayreducing element 81 can include a rigid, semi-rigid, or a flexiblematerial. For example, in some embodiments, the spray reducing element81 can include a flexible material and can be configured to contact thehull when then water diverter is in the deployed position. FIG. 15Fshows an implementation of a spray reducing element 81 that abutsagainst the hull when the water diverter 33 is in the deployed position.

In some embodiments, the spray reducing element 81 can be coupled to thewater diverter 33 so that it moves with the water diverter 33, e.g.,between the neutral and deployed positions. In some embodiments, thespray reducing element 81 can be coupled to the boat, so that the sprayreducing element 81 does not move with the water diverter 33. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 15F, the spray reducing element 81 canbe coupled to the side of the hull, and can cover at least part of thegap between the transom 35 and the water diverter 33 when the waterdiverter is in the deployed position.

FIGS. 15G and 15H show an implementation with a water diverter 33 thatincludes a cover piece, which can be a plate (e.g., made of metal oranother rigid material), over at least a portion of the outer surfacethereof. FIG. 15G shows the water diverter in a retracted or neutralposition. FIG. 15H shows the water diverter in an extended or deployedposition. The cover piece can be a spray reducing element 81. The coverpiece can extend past the edge of the water diverter 33 so that theplate covers at least a portion of the gap between the water diverter 33and the hull of the boat when the water diverter 33 is in the deployedposition. The plate can remained spaced apart from the hull by a smalldistance when the water diverter 33 is deployed. In some embodiments,the cover piece can cover one or more bolts, screws, or other attachmentmechanisms (e.g., the bolts 85 show in FIG. 15D) that couple the waterdiverter 33 to the boat. In some embodiments, the cover piece caninclude a plurality of sections, and the different sections can extendpast the edge of the water diverter 33 by different distances, e.g.,such that the cover piece generally conforms to the shape of the boathull that is near the cover piece when the water diverter is deployed.In some embodiments, the edge of the cover piece that extends past theedge of the water diverter 33 can have a shape that generally conformsto at least a portion of the shape of the edge of the water diverter 33,or that generally conforms to the shape of the boat hull that is nearthe cover piece when the water diverter is deployed. For example, insome embodiments, the cover piece can have a transom indentation (e.g.,similar to the transom indentation 79 on the water diverter 33).

In some embodiments the shape of the hull of the boat can be configuredto reduce or eliminate the spray by reducing the size of the gap betweenthe deployed water diverter 33 and the hull, or eliminating the gapaltogether. For example, in some embodiments, the boat hull can have asubstantially linear shape extending across substantially the entireheight of the water diverter 33, as shown in FIGS. 15G and 15H. Thus, insome embodiments, the water diverter 33 does not include a transomindentation 79. A perfectly linear hull shape may not be required, andthe hull shape can be sufficiently linear for at least a portion of thehull near the water diverter to impede cross-spray. The edge of thewater diverter 33 that is disposed nearest the boat hull can besubstantially linear, in some embodiments. Although a perfectly linearshape may not be required, the edge of the water diverter 33 can besufficiently linear to impede cross-spray. In some embodiments, thewater diverter 33 can be disposed substantially entirely below a chamferline 87 of the boat hull. Although in some implementations, a smallportion of the water diverter 33 can be at or above the chamfer line 87,a sufficient amount of the water diverter 33 can be disposed below thechamfer line 87 to provide a small enough gap between the water diverter33 and the hull to reduce or eliminate cross-spray.

In some embodiments in which the water diverter 33 includes a transomindentation 79 that is configured to correspond to the shape of the hullwhen the water diverter is in the retracted or neutral position, thehull can include a bulge or a hull shape that causes the transomindentation 79 to also correspond to the shape of the hull when thewater diverter 33 is in the extended or deployed position.

In some embodiments, the gap between the hull and the deployed waterdiverter 33 (or between the hull and the spray reducing element 81) canbe less than or equal to about 10 mm, less than or equal to about 7.5mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, less than or equal to about 2.5mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, or less. In some embodiments, thegap can be at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, at least about1 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, at least about 2.0 mm, or more (e.g., forembodiments having a plate or other rigid spray reducing element 81 thatdoes not abut against the hull). Those of skill in the art willunderstand based on the disclosure herein that various other gap sizescan be used outside of the ranges discussed herein, and that the size ofthe gap can be minimized to a size that does not produce significantspray (which can degrade the shape of the wave), and that in someembodiments the gap size can be large enough to reliably prevent thedeployed water diverter 33 from contacting the hull.

With reference to FIGS. 15I and 15J, the spray reducing element 81 caninclude a spray blocker that is positioned in the path of the spray,e.g., to prevent the spray from reaching the wave. The spray blocker canknock the spray down into the water or divert the spray to a morefavorable direction. The implementation shown in FIG. 15I has a sprayreducing element 81 that includes a ledge disposed generally above andinward from the water diverter 33. The ledge can be generallyhorizontal, although various other orientations are possible. The ledgecan be positioned in the path of the cross-spray so that the ledge canknock the cross-spray down to impede the water from spraying onto thewave formed by the boat. Those of skill in the art will recognize fromthe disclosure herein that many other configurations are possible. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 15J, in some embodiments, the sprayreducing element 81 can include a wall (e.g., extending upward from theswim platform 70), which can be generally vertical, although variousother orientations are possible. The wall can be positioned in the pathof the cross-spray so that the wall can impede the water from sprayingacross to the wave on the side of the boat opposite the deployed waterdiverter 33.

Although only one water diverter 33 is shown in FIGS. 15A through 15J,spray reducing elements 81 can be used to reduce or eliminate spray fromboth of the water diverters 33. The spray reducing element 81 can beimplemented in various other manners. For example, in some embodiments,a compressible material (e.g., an open cell or a closed cell foam) canbe coupled to the water diverter 33 and/or to the boat (e.g., to thetransom 35) so that the compressible material at least partially fillsthe gap between the water diverter 33 and the boat hull when the waterdiverter 33 is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, a sprayreducing element 81 can be coupled to the boat hull (e.g., to thetransom 35 or the side strake of the hull), e.g., such that the sprayreducing element 81 fills or covers at least a portion of the gapbetween the water diverter 33 and the boat hull, or otherwise impedesspray.

With reference again to FIGS. 15A and 15B, in various embodiments, theflaps may be planar or non-planar. For example, FIG. 15B shows aconvexly-flared flap 33, which allows water flow along the outer surfaceof the flap that gently trails in towards the hull centerline, whileFIG. 15C shows a concave flap 33, that allows water flow along the outersurface of the flap to be further redirected outward away from thecenterline of the hull. One will appreciate that curved flap mayeffectively extend or otherwise adjust the range of deployment allowingfor the use of variously sized actuators. For example, concave flaps mayeffectively extend the range of deployment such that smallerdisplacement actuators may be used. Furthermore, convex flaps may reduceface friction, promote laminar flow, or otherwise enhance or modify thewake.

One will appreciate that other flap shapes and configurations may alsobe utilized in accordance with the present invention, including, but notlimited to, oval shaped flaps, other polygonal shapes, perforatesurfaces, patterned surfaces, and etc. One will also appreciate that theflaps may be replaceable and interchangeable such that a user mayreplace flaps of one type with flaps of another type in order to furthercustomize the performance of the surf wake system. Alternatively,supplemental “bolt-on” shapes may be provided which can be attached toan existing flap to further modify its overall shape.

In various embodiments, upper surfaces of the swim platform may behinged to facilitate the flow of water past the swim platform.Conventional swim platforms generally impede waveform by suppressingwater flow on surf side when boat is rolled to the same side. As shownin FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, swim platform 70 may be provided with hingedsurfaces 82 which are configured to pivot up and away from flow of wateras respective side of the swim platform approaches the waterline. Thehinged surfaces are designed to allow only upward movement from theresting plan of the swim platform. As shown in FIG. 16B, hinged surface82 is configured to allow water forces to push the hinged portion up andaway from the flow of water creating the resulting surf wave. In theillustrated embodiment, hinged surface 82 is pivotally attached to afixed main portion 84, whereby the hinged surface may pivot up and notimpede waveform. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged surface ispivotally attached to the fixed main portion by a hinge, however, onewill appreciate that other suitable means may be utilized to allow thehinged portion to flex upwardly. One will appreciate that swim platform70 and hinged surfaces 82 may be used in conjunction or separate fromthe surf wake system of the present invention.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, surf wakesystem 32 is similar to the systems described above but includes flaps33 that are mounted on the side of the hull instead of the transom, asshown in FIG. 17 . In this embodiment, the actuators are mounted on anappropriate section of the hull to effect deployment from a neutralposition, as illustrated by flap 33 p, to an extended deployed position,as illustrated by flap 33 s. In a manner similar to the systemsdescribed above, deploying a flap will disrupt the flow of water alongthe side of the hull past the transom such that the flow of water isredirected outwardly and/or rearwardly to facilitate constructiveinterference of converging waves in a manner that is described abovewith respect to FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C.

One will appreciate that the various flap and actuator configurationsdescribed above may be utilized with a hull-side configuration.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, surfwake system 32 is similar to the systems described above but includesflaps 33 that are mounted to extend rearward of transom 35, as shown inFIG. 18 . Flaps may be mounted to slide along a track assembly 86mounted on the side of the hull, or alternatively, may be configured toextend directly outwardly from the hull. In this embodiment, actuators(not shown) are mounted on an appropriate section of the hull or trackassembly to effect deployment from a neutral position, as illustrated byflap 33 p, to an extended deployed position, as illustrated by flap 33s. In a manner similar to the systems described above, deploying a flapwill disrupt the flow of water along the side of the hull past thetransom such that the flow of water is redirected rearwardly tofacilitate constructive interference of converging waves in a mannerthat is described above with respect to FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C.

One will appreciate that the various flap and actuator configurationsdescribed above may also be utilized with such a retractable flapconfiguration.

With reference to FIGS. 19-21 , in some embodiments, a wake shapingsystem 100 can be configured to use removable and/or interchangeablewater diverters 102 a-d, which can have different sizes, differentshapes, or other different configurations. FIGS. 19-21 are partial viewsof the wake shaping system 100, and show example embodiments ofport-side water diverting elements. Although not shown in FIG. 19-21 ,the wake shaping system 100 can include similar starboard-side waterdiverting elements. The wake shaping system 100 can include one or moreactuators 104 configured to selectively position the water diverters 102a-d. The one or more actuators 104 can include an electric motor, ahydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or other mechanism suitable to movethe water diverters 102 a-d. The actuators 104, the water diverters 102a-d, and various other elements of the wake shaping system 100 can besimilar to, or the same as, corresponding elements in various otherembodiments disclosed herein, and various features described inconnection with the other embodiments can be incorporated into the wakeshaping system 100 even when not specifically described in connectionwith FIG. 19-21 .

The system 100 can include a coupling member 106 that is configured tocouple the removable water diverters 102 a-d to the actuator 104 and/orto the boat 108 (e.g., to the transom of side portion thereof). Thecoupling member 104 can be attached to the boat 108 by a joint or othermechanism that enables the coupling member 104 to move with respect tothe boat 108. For example, the coupling member 106 can be pivotallycoupled to the boat 108 (e.g., by joint 110) so that the coupling member106 can pivot between two or more positions that are configured tomodify wake shape. The coupling member 106 can slidably be coupled tothe boat 108, such that the coupling member 106 can slide (e.g., in adirection that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis,generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, or any angle therebetween)between two or more position that are configured to modify wake shape.The coupling member 105 can be coupled to the actuator 104 such that theactuator 104 can selectively position the coupling member, 106 asdescribed herein. The coupling member 106 can be permanently orsemi-permanently attached to the boat 108 and/or to the actuator 104(e.g., using screws, bolts, rivets, or other suitable fasteners). Forexample, in some embodiments, the coupling member 106 can disassembledfrom the boat 108 and/or actuator 104 (e.g., for repair), but thecoupling member 106 is not removably by a user during normal operationof the wake shaping system 100.

The coupling member 106 can be configured to removably receive a waterdiverter 102 a-d. FIG. 19 shows a port-side coupling member 106 with awater diverter 102 a attached thereto. FIG. 20 shows the port-sidecoupling member 106 with no water diverter attached thereto. In someembodiments, the coupling member 106 can be used as a water diverter(e.g., of relatively small size) without any additional water diverter102 a-d attached thereto. FIG. 21 shows four example water diverters 102a-d that can each be removably attached to the coupling member 106. Thewater diverters 102 a-d can have different sizes, different shapes, orother different configurations configured to affect wake shape indifferent ways. For example, the water diverter 102 b can include ridgesor channels 112 (e.g., similar to the embodiments discussed inconnection with FIGS. 14A and 14B. For ease of illustration, the waterdiverter 102 b is shown oriented differently than the water diverters102 a, 102 c, and 102 d, such that the outboard side of the waterdiverter 102 b is visible. As another example, the water diverter 102 ccan be taller than the water diverter 102 a. As yet another example, thewater diverter 102 d is longer than the water diverter 102 a. Many othervariations are possible. The different water diverters 102 a-d can beconfigured to divert water in different manners, e.g., to achievedifferent wake shaping effects. For example, different water diverters102 a-d can be used depending on the desired wake size, the desired wakesteepness, the desired wake position, the rider's weight, age, or skilllevel, the depth of the water, etc.

The water diverters 102 a-d and/or the coupling member 106 can includeone or more coupling mechanisms 114 configured to removably attach awater diverter 102 a-d to the coupling member 106. For example, asliding engagement mechanism 114 can be disposed on an inboard side ofthe water diverters 102 a-d, and a corresponding mechanism (hidden fromview in FIG. 21 ) can be configured to engage the sliding engagementmechanisms 114 of the water diverters 102 a-d to secure a water diverter102 a-d to the coupling member 106. Many other types of couplingmechanisms 114 can be used, such as clamps, snaps, friction-fitelements, or any other suitable mechanism that can enable a user toremove one water diverter 102 a-d and replace it with a different waterdiverter 102 a-d during normal operation of the wake shaping system 100.

Some embodiments can include water diverters that include removableportions. For example, a water diverter 102 can include a couplingmechanism that is configured to removably receive a supplemental portion(e.g., an extension portion) that changes the size and/or shape of thewater diverter 102. For example, the supplemental portion can be addedto make the water diverter 102 taller or longer, etc. to modify the wakeproduced by the boat. In some configurations, both the main waterdiverter portion and the supplemental portion can be configured todivert water when deployed.

In some embodiments, the wake shaping system 100 can include acontroller 120 that can adjust various features on the boat 108 based onvarious factors or inputs to achieve a desired wake condition, asdiscussed herein. In some embodiments, the controller 120 can adjust oneor more actuators 104 (e.g., to position the water diverters 102 a-d)differently depending on the type of interchangeable water diverter 102a-d that is coupled thereto. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a memorycan store an indication of the type of water diverter 102 a-d that isbeing used. A user input device can enable a user to input theindication of the type of water diverter 102 a-d.

In some embodiments, the wake shaping system 100 can be configured toautomatically change the indication of the type of water diverter beingused in response to an interchange of the water diverters 102 a-d. Thewake shaping system 100 can be configured to detect the type of waterdiverter 102 a-d that is attached thereto. For example, the waterdiverters 102 a-d can include an indicator element 116 that is differentfor the different types of water diverters 102 a-d. The coupling member106 can be configured to detect what type of water diverter 102 a-d isattached thereto based at least in part on the indicator element 116.For example, the indicator element 116 can include a pin or protrusionthat can be positioned at a different location on different types ofwater diverters 102 a-d. The coupling member 106 can detect the locationof the pin or protrusion (e.g., with a series of buttons or a pressuresensor). An indication of the type of water diverter 102 a-d can betransferred (e.g., from coupling member 106) to the controller 120, suchas using a cable or a wireless communication link. Many variations arepossible. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator element 116can be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the system 100can be configured to detect what water diverter 102 a-d is being used bythe RFID tags therein.

In some embodiments, the wake control system 100 can be configured toprovide a notification to a rider that depends, at least in part on thepositions of the water diverters 102. For example the rider notificationcan be an indication of which side of the wake is currently adapted forsurfing, a notification that the surf wake is changing from one side tothe other, a notification that the surf wake will soon change from oneside to the other, an indication of a current wake property (e.g.,height, steepness, etc.), a notification that a wake property ischanging or is about to change, etc. A controller 120 can be configuredto provide a signal to one or more rider notification elements 122 thatare configured to provide the notification to the rider (e.g., awakesurfer riding the wake of the boat 108). The rider notificationelements 122 can be positioned at or near the transom of the boat 108such that they are visible to a rider, although other positions arepossible (e.g., on a wake tower). In some embodiments, the controller120 can send a notification (e.g., by a wireless communication link) toa remote notification device, which can be worn by the rider (e.g., onthe wrist), located on the wake surfboard, etc.

In some embodiments, the system 100 can include a port notificationelement 122 a and a starboard notification element 122 b, as shown, forexample in FIG. 22 . The port and starboard notification elements 122 aand 122 b can include one or more lights. As shown in FIG. 22 , forexample, the system 100 can include a port notification light 122 a anda starboard notification light 122 b, and the controller 120 can operatethe lights 122 a and 122 b to provide notifications to the rider. Forexample, if the wake shaping system 100 is configured to provide aport-side surfing wake, the port notification light 122 a can beilluminated and the starboard notification light 122 b can be off (orvice versa). In some embodiments, both the port notification light 122 aand the starboard notification light 122 b (or neither) is beilluminated while the water diverters 102 change the side of the wakethat is adapted for surfing from one side to the other. In someembodiments, one or both of the port indicator light 122 a and thestarboard indicator light 122 b can flash to indicate that the waterdiverters 102 will soon change the side of the wake that is adapted forsurfing from one side to the other. For example, if the controller 120receives an instruction to change the side of the surf wake (e.g., fromthe driver via a user interface 142 or from instructions stored inmemory 124), the controller 120 can wait for a delay period beforemaking the change, and the controller can provide a notification of theupcoming change to the rider during some or all of the period of delay(e.g., for about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds prior to the start of thetransition). Many variations are possible.

As shown in FIG. 23 , in some embodiments, the port notification element122 a can be configured to emit multiple colors of light (e.g., red,yellow, and green), such as from multiple light sources. Similarly, thestarboard notification element 122 b can be configured to emit multiplecolors of light (e.g., red, yellow, and green), such as from multiplelight sources. In some embodiments, a first color (e.g., green) can beemitted when the wake is adapted for surfing on the same side as thelight. A second color (e.g., yellow) can be emitted when the surf wakeis moving from one side to the other, or as an indication that the surfwake will soon move from one side to the other. A third color (e.g.,red) can be emitted when the wake is adapted for surfing on the oppositeside as the light. The colors can be used to provide information to theuser regarding other wake properties. For example, a first color (e.g.,green) can be emitted to indicate that the wake has a relatively lowheight or a relatively low steepness (e.g., a beginner wake). A secondcolor (e.g., yellow) can be emitted to indicate that the wake has anintermediate height or an intermediate steepness (e.g., an intermediatewake). A third color (e.g., red) can be emitted to indicate that thewake has a relatively large height or is relatively steep (e.g., anadvanced wave). An individual flashing color can be used to indicatethat the wake properties are changing, or are about to change. Thelights on one side 122 a or 122 b can be all off to indicate that thewake is adapted for surfing on the side of the boat 108 opposite thelights that are off. In some embodiments, the lights on both sides canbe turned on, or off, or can flash to indicate that the surf wake ischanging from one side to the other or that the surf wake will soonchange from one side to the other. For example, lights on both sides canflash to notify the rider that the surf wake will soon change sides. Therate at which the lights flash can indicate how long before thetransition will start. For example a faster rate of flashing canindicate that the transition will start relatively soon (e.g., within 1second or less), and a slower rate of flashing can indicate more time(e.g., about 3 seconds or more) until the transition will start. Duringthe transition of the surf wake from one side to the other (e.g., duringactuation of the water diverters 102), one or more lights on both sidescan be turned on. Many variations are possible.

With reference to FIG. 24 , the rider notification element 122 caninclude a graphical slide 122 that can be configured to provide anotification based on the position of one or both of the water diverters102. For example, the graphical slide 122 can indicate where one or bothof the water diverters 102 is positioned between the fully deployed andthe fully retracted positions. Thus, a slide indication that is somewhatto the right (as shown in FIG. 24 ) can indicate that the starboard sideof the wake is adapted for surfing and that the at least one waterdiverter implanting the starboard-side surf wake is not fully deployed.

In some embodiments, the rider notification element 122 can include adisplay, such as an alpha-numeric display or a graphical display. Thedisplay 122 can be configured to display the rider notification, e.g.,either as text or as a graphical image. The display 122 can displayother information to the rider, such as an identification of a trick tobe performed, boat speed, ballast information, a score awarded during acompetition, etc. The rider notification element 122 can display acountdown to the rider, where the countdown indicates an amount of timeuntil an event such as a transition from a port-side wave to astarboard-side wave, or vise versa, or a change in wave shape (e.g.,steepness or size).

Although some examples have been given, it will be understood that manydifferent types of rider notification elements can be used. For example,the rider notification element 122 can include an audio speaker, and thecontroller 120 can be configured to play audio notifications for therider. The audio speaker can be disposed at or near the transom of theboat 108, and can be directed toward the rider (e.g., rearward). Theaudio speaker can be a speaker dedicated to rider notifications (e.g.,having a special location or orientation). In some embodiments, thecontroller 120 can be in communication with speakers that can also beused to play music or other sounds, and those same speakers can be usedto send an audio rider notification. The audio rider notification can bea sound (e.g., a load blast) indicating that the surf wake is changingsides, or will soon change sides. In some implementations, differentsounds can be used to indicate different things to the rider. Forexample, the rider notification can include an audio countdown, whichcan be similar to the visual countdown discussed above. In someembodiments, the audio rider notification can include a series of sounds(e.g., beeps) that have a frequency that corresponds to a change in thewake. For example, the frequency of the sounds can increase as the timeapproaches for the wake to transition from one side to the other side.In some embodiments, the frequency of the short sounds (e.g., beeps) canincrease until the water diverters 33 begin the transition, and a longercontinuous sound can indicate that the wake is transitioning from oneside to the other. In some embodiments, a series of short sounds canhave an increasing (or decreasing) frequency as the wake transitionsfrom one side to the other, thereby indicating the progress of the waketransition as it occurs.

Those of skill in the art will understand from the disclosure hereinthat many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the ridernotification element can be a single light source. For example, thelight can be off when the parameters of the surf wake are static. Thelight can turn on or flash as a notification that the surf wake ischanging sides or is about to change sides. In some embodiments, therider notification can include a combination of visual and audioelements to notify the rider of adjustments in the wake. In someembodiments, the rider notification element 122 can include one or moremovable mechanical elements. For example, the rider notification element122 can be configured to raise a flag or move an indicator from a firstlocation to a second location (e.g., to notify the rider that a wakeadjustment is beginning or about to begin). In some cases, a pluralityof flags or other indicators can be movable to different positions tonotify the rider of different types of wake adjustments (e.g.,transition from right-side to left-side, transition from left-side toright-side, a change in wake height, or the wake position behind theboat, etc.). In some embodiments, the visual rider notifications element122 can be located at a location that is easy for the rider to see whileriding the wave produced by the boat 108, such as on the transom of theboat 108, on the swim platform, on a low portion of the boat 108 (e.g.,on the hull, near the water line). In some embodiments, the one or morerider notification elements 122 (e.g., visual or audio) can be locatedon the rider control 134 (which is discussed below in connection withFIG. 27A). In some embodiments, one or more rider notification elements122 (e.g., visual or audio) can be located on a tow rope handle, and therider notification data can be communicated to the tow rope handle via awireless communication interface or via a wire extending in or along thetow rope. In some embodiments, the one or more rider notificationelements 122 can be located on the wake surfboard or can be coupled tothe wake surfboard. For example, the wake surfboard can include a mountconfigured to couple an electronic device to the wake surfboard, whereinthe electronic device includes the one or more rider notificationselements 122. In some embodiments, one or more rider notificationelements 122 can be positioned on a tower (e.g., a wake boarding tower),such as on one or both of the side bars of the tower and/or on the crossbar that connects the side bars of the tower. In some embodiments, ridernotification data can be communicated (e.g., wirelessly) to the rider(e.g., to the rider control 134 or to the wake surfboard). The ridernotification data can be communicated (e.g., wirelessly) to allow thenotifications to be presented to spectators, to passengers on the boat108, to other competitors in a competition, etc. In some embodiments,the rider notification elements 122 can include audio and visualelements, which can be coordinated or can complement each other. Forexample, one or more speakers can emit a plurality of sounds (e.g., aseries of beeps), and one or more lights can emit light (e.g., a seriesof flashes) at the same time as the sounds.

In some embodiments, the rider notifications can be adjustable. Forexample, a wake change (e.g., change of sides, change of size, change ofshape) can occur after a delay time after the rider notification, andthe delay time can be adjustable. For example, one rider may prefer toreceive a notification half-a-second before the wake change, and anotherrider may prefer to receive a notification 1 second, 1.5 seconds, or 2seconds, etc. before the wake adjustment. Different delay times can beused for different types of wake changes. For example, a rider may wantto receive a notification 1 second before the wake changes from theright-side surf wake to a left-side surf wake, and the rider may want toreceive a notification half-a-second before the wake changes from a flatshape to a steep shape. The memory 124 can include stored setting forthe lengths of the delay times. The controller can be configured tooperate the rider notification element 122 based in part on the storedsettings. The settings can be adjusted, e.g., via a user interface.Different settings can be set for different riders. In some embodiments,the rider notification settings (e.g., the delay from the notificationto the transition) can depend at least in part on the rider'sexperience, the rider's weight, the board size, the board type (e.g.,skimmer board or finned surfboard), wave height, wave length, waveshape, the rider's position on the wave, etc. For example, a rider mayprefer a different amount of delay between the rider notification andthe transition depending on whether the wave has a relatively largeheight and relatively short length or a relatively small height and arelatively long length. For example, if the wave has a longer length,the rider may be rider further from the back of the boat and may needmore time to prepare to transition from one side of the wake to theother.

In some embodiments, the wake shaping system 100 can be configured toexecute a predetermined sequence of wake shaping operations. The samepredetermined sequence of wake shaping operations can be performedmultiple times in order to provide a preset run for use during awakesurfing competition. Also the same predetermined sequence of wakeshaping operations can be performed multiple times in order to provide aconsistent environment for a rider to learn or practice particularmaneuvers or tricks. For example, when a rider is learning the maneuverof transitioning from one side of the wake to the other, the rider canhave more success if the surf wake moves from one side to the other inthe same manner each time the rider attempts the maneuver.

With reference to FIG. 26 , the wake shaping system 100 can include amemory 124 that stores one or more sets of wake shaping operations(e.g., as one or more preset runs). A user interface 142 (e.g., on theboat 108) can allow a user (e.g., a driver, a competition judge, etc.)to select a preset run to be delivered to the controller 120. The userinterface 142 can also allow a user to adjust the parameters of a presetrun or define new preset runs. For example, a set of wake shapingoperations can include a first type of port-side surf wake for 30seconds, then a second type of port-side surf wake for 14 seconds, thena transition from a port-side surf wake to a starboard-side surf wakelasting 2 seconds, then a first type of starboard-side surf wake for 30seconds, and ending with a second type of starboard-side surf wake for14 seconds. This example would provide a 1.5 minute long preset run thatcan be used to allow multiple riders to compete in a run that is dynamicand exciting to observe, while also being consistent across eachexecution of the run, thereby enabling an exciting and fair competingenvironment. Many variations are possible, and many types of preset runscan be used (e.g., stored in memory 124). The preset run can last for arelatively short time (e.g., about 5 to about 30 seconds) or forrelatively long times (e.g., about 5 minutes to 30 minutes). The presetrun can include two or more wake shaping operations, wherein the secondwake shaping operation is to be performed at a later time than the firstwake shaping operation. Additional wake shaping operations can beincluded and can be performed at times later than the first and secondoperations. For example, 5, 10, 20, or more wake shaping operations canbe included in a single preset run. In some embodiments, the operationscan be configured to effect gradual changes in the wake shapingfeatures, and the effects of the different operations can overlap eachother, in some instances. In some cases, the wake shaping operations canbe distinct from each other, in that one operation is configured tocreate a wake type independent from the other operations of the presetrun.

The controller 120 can receive instructions (e.g., from memory 124, froma user interface 142, or via a communication interface 126 from a remotedevice (e.g., a remote computer or mobile device such as a phone ortablet)) corresponding to the sequence of wake shaping operations, andthe controller 120 can implement the wake shaping operations byadjusting one or more wake shaping features on the boat 108. Examplewake shaping features include, by way of example, water diverters 102(which can be configured to control which side of the wake is adaptedfor surfing and/or other surf wake properties), ballast tanks 128, boatspeed, one or more wake-modifying devices 130 (e.g., the Power Wedgediscussed above), one or more trim tabs (not shown in FIG. 26 ), etc.These wake shaping features can be used in various differentcombinations of settings to achieve surf wakes of various differenttypes. In some embodiments, the controller 120 can receive instructionsthat specify the settings for the various wake shaping features thatcorrespond to desired sequence of surf wakes, and the controller canimplement the desired sequence of surf wakes by applying the specifiedsettings to the various wake shaping features.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 can receive instructions thatinclude a sequence of desired surf wake types (e.g., as mentioned in theexample above). The controller 120 can be configured to determine whatsettings should be applied at what times to the various wake shapingfeatures to achieve the specified sequence of surf wake types. In someembodiments, the controller 120 can consider factors specific to theboat 108 when determining how to implement the specified sequence ofsurf wake types. For example, controller 120 can consider the type ofwater diverters 102 (especially for systems that include interchangeablewater diverters), the weight in the boat (dynamic ballast), thedistribution of weight in the boat 108, the hull shape and/or boatmodel, the depth of the water, etc. (e.g., which information can beentered by a user via the user interface or can be received from sensorsor from a remote source via the communication interface 126).Accordingly, a preset sequence of wake shaping operations can beconsistently applied by different boats, or by the same boat atdifferent times, by using a controller that is configured to determinethe settings for implementing the desired surf wake types.

In some embodiments, the system 100 can include one or more ridernotification elements 122, as discussed above. The rider notificationelement 122 can notify a rider of upcoming changes in the surf waketype, of a type of preset run, a score, etc. The rider notificationelement 122, or other features similar to thereto, can also be usedprovide information to observers of a wakesurfing competition, so thatobservers are informed of the dynamic setting of the competition.

With reference to FIG. 27A, in some embodiments, the wake shaping system100 can be configured to allow a rider 132 to control the surf wake. Forexample, the controller 120 can be configured to receive instructionsfrom a rider control device 134 via a communication interface 126. Thesystem 100 can include a rider control device 134 that is configured tosend instructions to the controller 120 via a communication interface136. The communication interfaces 126 and 136 can communicate, forexample, via a wireless communication link such as by Bluetooth, WiFi,or via other suitable communication protocol. The user control device134 can include a user interface 140 configured to receive input fromthe rider 132. The user control device 134 can include a memory 141 thatcan store input from the rider 132 or various other informationdiscussed herein. The rider control device 134 can include a controller138 which can be configured to handle the transfer of data between theuser interface 140, the memory 141, and the communication interface 136of the rider control device 134. In some embodiments, the controller 138can perform various determinations discussed herein. For example,various determinations that are discussed as being performed by thecontroller 120 can be performed instead by the controller 138 on therider control device 134. Various determinations can also be made by anoutside controller (e.g., on a remote computer or a mobile device suchas a phone or tablet) and results of the determinations can be receivedby one or both of the communication interfaces 126 and 136.

In some embodiments, the rider control device 134 can be buoyant suchthat it floats in water (e.g., if it becomes separated from the rider132). The rider control device 134 can be water resistant or waterproof.For example, the rider control device 134 can include a water resistantor waterproof housing. The rider control device 134 can be wearabledevice that is configured to worn on the rider's body, for example as anarm band, watch, necklace, hat, hood, life jacket, life vest, etc. Therider control device 134 can be a fob or a handheld device, in someembodiments. The rider control device 134 be attached to, or integratedinto, a wake surfboard. The rider control device 134 can be attached toor integrated into a tow rope handle. Many other configurations arepossible.

The rider control device 134 can be configured to allow a rider 132 tochange settings of one or more of the wake shaping features on the boat108, such as the water diverters 102 (which can be configured to controlwhich side of the wake is adapted for surfing and/or other surf wakeproperties), one or more ballast tanks 128, boat speed, one or morewake-modifying devices 130 (e.g., the Power Wedge discussed above), oneor more trim tabs (not shown in FIG. 26 ), etc. The settings can beadjusted individually, and the settings can also be adjusted together,e.g., by selecting a preset configuration. The user interface 140 canenable the rider 132 to input information, such as the rider's height,weight, and skill level, selection of a preset rider profile, board typeor dimensions (e.g., length, volume, rocker, etc.), dynamic ballastinformation (e.g., amount of weight in boat 108 and distribution ofweight in the boat 108), the type of water diverters 102 being used,etc. Various selections and operations that are discussed as beingperformed on the user interface 140 can be performed on the userinterface 142 on the boat 108, and vice versa. For example, the rider132 can select, modify, or define preset runs that can be stored in thememory 141 or in the memory 124. The rider control device 134 can allowa rider 132 to control various settings on the fly, while riding thesurf wake. For example, a rider 132 may push a button (or otherwiseprovide input) corresponding to a maneuver that is associated with aparticular surf wake type, and the system 100 can be configured toadjust the settings of the wake shaping features to achieve the desiredsurf wake type. The rider control device 134 can enable a rider 132 toinput a command to change the surf wake from one side to the other,which can give the rider 132 better control over the wake surfingexperience. For example when attempting a maneuver that involvestransitioning from one side of the boat to the other, the rider 132 cansend the command to change sides when the rider 132 is ready to performthe maneuver, instead of having to depend on input from a driver orother user which may come at a time when the rider 132 is not preparedto attempt the maneuver.

The rider control device 134 can include the rider notification elements122 discussed herein. Accordingly the rider control device 134 can beused to receive input from the rider 132 and to output information tothe rider 132, e.g., by sound or visually. For example the rider controldevice 134 can include a display (e.g., a touchscreen).

In some embodiments, the system can be configured to enable the driverto disable the rider control device 134. For example, if the driverwants to have control over the boat 108 independent of the ridercommands (e.g., so that rider commands do not affect the boat steering),the diver can provide an input to the user interface 142 to disable therider control device 134, or to ignore commands received therefrom. Theuser interface 142 on the boat 108 can be configured to receive acommand (e.g., from the driver) to disable or ignore the rider controldevice 134. The controller 120 can be configured to disable or ignorethe rider control device 134 in response to the command (e.g., from thedriver).

In some embodiments, the user interface 142 on the boat 108 can beconfigured to provide a notification to the driver based on inputreceived from the rider control device 134. For example, if a rider 132sends a command to change the surf wake from one side to the other, avisual or audio notification can be issued to the driver via the userinterface 142. This can alert the driver to adjust the steering of theboat 108 to compensate for the change in the water diverters 102. Thesystem 100 can be configured to notify the driver of changes made by therider 132 to settings on other wake shaping features as well, especiallyfor changes that may affect the steering of the boat 108. In someembodiments, a visual driver notification can be displayed to thedriver. For example, a heads-up-display (HUD) can display a visualdriver notification, e.g., by projecting the visual driver notificationonto the windshield of the boat 108. A visual driver notification can bedisplayed on the rear-view mirror. For example, the controller 120 canbe in communication with the mirror, e.g., via a wire or a wireless(e.g., Bluetooth) data connection. Data can be sent to the mirror, andthe visual notification can be displayed on the mirror. For example, therear-view mirror can include one or more lights, or a display fordisplaying graphical or text information, etc. In some embodiments, oneor more driver notification elements can be mounted onto the rear-viewmirror. For example a driver notification module can include one or moredriver notification elements (e.g., visual or audio notificationelements), a communication interface (e.g., a wireless communicationinterface) that is configured to receive information from the controller120, and a driver notification element controller that is configured tooperate the one or more driver notification elements in response to datareceived from the controller 120 via the communication interface. Thedriver notification elements can operate similar to the ridernotification elements 122 discussed herein.

Allowing the rider 132 to control the wake can be advantageous forcertain competitive settings. For example, in a freestyle competition acompetitor may have the freedom to select various different combinationsof wake surf types, which can allow for unique and creative combinationsof maneuvers and tricks (which can provide improved entertainment toobservers of the competition). Thus, in a freestyle competition, thecompetitors can be scored partially on the creativity and dynamic natureof the run selected (or input on the fly) by the competitor. Theincreased freedom afforded by the user control device 134 can alsoimprove the wakesurfing experience in casual and practice settings.

With reference to FIG. 27B, in some embodiments, the wake shaping system100 can be configured to allow an operator 133 to control the surf wake(e.g., the side, shape, steepness, length, size, etc. of the wake). Insome embodiments, the operator 133 can be a person other than the driverand other than the rider, and in some embodiments the rider or drivercan control the surf wake. For example, in some embodiments, a passengerin the boat 108, a judge or administrator of a competition, etc. canoperate an operator control device 135 to control the surf wake. Theoperator control device 135 can allow for control of the wake shapingsystem 100 by someone inside the boat 108 or outside the boat 108. Insome embodiments, a passenger in the boat 108 can use an operatorcontrol device 135 to modify the wake while the rider is wake surfing.In some cases, the passenger can watch the rider wake surf and canreceive instructions from the rider (e.g., verbal or hand signals) andthe passenger can adjust the wake based at least in part on theinstructions from the rider. In some embodiments, operator controldevice 135 can include a memory 145, a user interface 143, a controller139, and a communication interface 137. The operator control device 135can operate similar to the rider control device 134 discussed herein,and many of the features discussed in connection with the rider controldevice 134 also apply to the operator control device 135. The operatorcontrol device 135 can be a handheld electronic device. In someembodiments, the operator control device 135 can water resistant orwaterproof. The operator control device 135 can be a wearable article.The operator control device 135 can be incorporated into a floatingarticle. In some embodiments, the operator control device 135 can be adevice dedicated to the operation of the wake shaping system 100. Insome embodiments, the operator control device 135 can be an electronicdevice that can perform additional functions unrelated to the wakeshaping system 100. For example the operator control device can be amobile computing device (e.g., a phone or tablet or laptop) running aprogram or app that enables the mobile computing device to control thewake shaping system 100. The operator control device 135 can be ahand-held remote. In some embodiments, the operator control device 135can be attached to or built into the boat. For example, the operatorcontrol device 135 can be similar to the driver control systemsdescribed herein, except that the operator control device 135 can bepositioned at a non-driver location on the boat (e.g., where a passengerwould sit). For example, the operator control device 135 can be builtinto the boat or attached to the boat at or near the passenger side ofthe dash, at or near the transom (e.g., so the operator can facerearward towards the rider), or at other passenger locations on theboat. The operator control device 135 can include features similar to,or the same as, the input device 65, the user interface 142, or otheruser interfaces described herein. The operator control device 135 caninclude a display for providing information to the operator. The displaycan be a touchscreen, which can be configured to receive input from theoperator. In some embodiments, the operator control device 135 does notinclude a display. The operator control device 135 can include ajoystick. The operator control device 135 can communicate with thecontroller 120 via a wireless communication interface, or via one ormore wires. In some embodiments, when the operator control device 135modifies the wake, the system 100 can issue a rider notification and/ora driver notification, as discussed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29 , in some embodiments, the swimplatform 150 can be movable (e.g., pivotable) with respect to the boat108, such that the swim platform 150 can be moved to a raised positionto reduce the effect of the swim platform 150 on the wake. For example,the swim platform 150 can be coupled to the boat 108 (e.g., to thetransom) by a joint 152 that enables the swim platform 150 to movebetween a neutral position (e.g., shown in FIG. 28 ) and a raisedposition (e.g., shown in FIG. 29 ). In some embodiments, an actuator 154can be configured to move the swim platform between the neutral andraised positions. The actuator 154 can include an electric motor, ahydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or any other suitable mechanism foractuating the swim platform 150. In some embodiments, the actuator 154can be coupled to the boat 108 (e.g., to the transom at a location belowthe swim platform 150) by a joint 156 that allows the actuator 154 topivot with respect to the boat 108 (e.g., to accommodate a change in theposition of the actuator 154 (e.g., the angle between the actuator 154and the boat 108) as the swim platform 150 moves). Similarly, theactuator 154 can be coupled to the swim platform 150 (e.g., to theunderside or edges thereof) by a joint 158 that allows the actuator 154to move (e.g., pivot) with respect to the swim platform 150.

In some embodiments, the actuator 154 can be in communication with thecontroller 120 and can be configured to move the swim platform inresponse to instructions received from the controller 120. For example,a user can provide a command (e.g., via the user interface 140 or 142)to raise or lower the swim platform. In some embodiments, the swimplatform 150 can automatically raise when the boat 108 goes above apredetermined speed (e.g., about 7 mph) and/or can automatically lowerwhen the speed of the boat 108 goes below a predetermined speed (e.g.,about 7 mph).

In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured such that the swimplatform 150 will not move (e.g., from the raised to neutral positionand/or from the neutral to the raised position) when the boat speed isbelow a threshold value (e.g., about 5 mph). Also, in some embodiments,the system 100 can monitor the resistance on the actuator 154 as itmoves the swim platform 150, and the controller 120 can stop (orreverse) movement of the swim platform 150 if the resistance goes abovea threshold value. The threshold value can correspond to a force that islow enough that it would not injure a person's body portion (e.g., achild's leg) if it were to be caught by the swim platform 15, and thatis high enough to move the swim platform 150 between the neutral andraised positions. For example, the threshold value can correspond to aforce between about 3 lbs. and about 200 lbs., between about 5 lbs. andabout 100 lbs., between about 10 lbs. and about 50 lbs., between about20 lbs. and about 40 lbs., or between about 25 lbs. and about 35 lbs.,although values outside these ranges can used. The system can beconfigured to monitor a signal (e.g., power, amperage, etc.) provided tothe actuator 154 to determine whether stop (or reverse) movement of theswim platform 150. For example, the threshold value can be between about3 amps and about 12 amps, between about 4 amps and about 10 amps,between about 6 amps and about 8 amps, or about 6.5 amps, although thethreshold value can be outside these ranges in some embodiments.Similarly, in some embodiments, system 100 can be configured such thatthe water diverters 102 will not move (e.g., from the neutral positionto the deployed position and/or from the deployed position to theneutral position) when the boat speed is below a threshold value (e.g.,about 5 mph). Also, in some embodiments, the system 100 can monitor theresistance on the one or more actuators 104 as they move the waterdiverter(s) 102, and the controller 120 can stop (or reverse) movementof the water diverter(s) 102 if the resistance goes above a thresholdvalue. The threshold value can correspond to a force that is low enoughthat it would not injure a person's body portion (e.g., a child's leg)if it were to be caught by the water diverter 102, and that is highenough to move the water diverter 102 between positions. For example,the threshold value can correspond to a force between about 3 lbs. andabout 200 lbs., between about 5 lbs. and about 100 lbs., between about10 lbs. and about 50 lbs., between about 20 lbs. and about 40 lbs., orbetween about 25 lbs. and about 35 lbs., although values outside theseranges can used. The system can be configured to monitor a signal (e.g.,power, amperage, etc.) provided to the actuator 104 to determine whetherstop (or reverse) movement of the water diverter 102. For example, thethreshold value can be between about 3 amps and about 12 amps, betweenabout 4 amps and about 10 amps, between about 6 amps and about 8 amps,or about 6.5 amps, although the threshold value can be outside theseranges in some embodiments.

With reference again to FIGS. 28 and 29 , in some embodiments, the swimstep 150 can be manually movable between the neutral and raisedpositions. For example a locking mechanism can be include (e.g., on thejoint 152) that is configured to lock the swim platform 150 in theneutral and/or raised positions. A release mechanism (e.g., on the joint152) can enable a user to release the swim platform 150 from the lockedstate so that it can be moved. In some embodiments, the lockingmechanism and release mechanism can be incorporate together as a singlemechanism (e.g., on the joint 152). In some embodiments, the swimplatform 150 can be positioned (e.g., locked) at one or more ofintermediate positions (or can be infinitely positionable between theraised and neutral positions), either by the actuator 154 or by thelocking and release mechanism(s). In some embodiments, a spring or shockcan be used to facilitate movement of the swim platform 150 betweenpositions.

In some embodiments, the swim platform 150 can be configured to redirectwater to improve wake shape. For example, in some embodiments, insteadof raising the swim platform 150 to reduce its effect on the wake (asdiscussed in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29 ), a water redirectingmechanism (not shown) can be coupled to the swim platform 150 (e.g., onthe underside thereof) or can be positioned under the swim platform 150(e.g., coupled to the boat 108). The water redirecting mechanism can beconfigured to redirect water (e.g., water that would otherwise hit theswim platform 150) into the wake produced by the boat 108, therebyimproving wake shape and/or size.

In some embodiments, the user interface 140 or 142 can be configured todisplay fuel efficiency information. Some wake shaping features cancause reduced fuel efficiency when used. Accordingly, the system 100 canprovide the user with information to enable to the user to decidewhether to disable features that reduce fuel efficiency, or to adjustthose features to a setting that provides acceptable fuel efficiency. Insome embodiments, the controller 120 can be configured to consider fuelefficiency when adjusting the wake shaping features to achieve aspecified wake type. In some embodiments, the user interface 142 canallow a user to specify a priority level for fuel efficiency. Forexample if the priority level is set to a low value, the controller 120can give low priority to improving fuel efficiency, and if a highpriority level is specified by the user the controller 120 can givehigher priority to improving fuel efficiency.

In some embodiments, the user interface 140 or 142 can be configured toreceive input from a user for feedback regarding wake quality. Forexample, a user can specify a quality value for the wake created by theboat 108 under its current settings. The controller 120 store the userfeedback (e.g., in memory 124) and can take the user's prior feedbackinto account when determining the settings to use for the wake shapingfeatures. Thus, the controller 120 can be configured to “learn” a user'spreferences and use those preferences to improve wake shape (e.g., for aparticular rider).

In some embodiments, the user interface 142 can include a joystickconfigured to receive input (e.g., from the driver) for controlling thewake shaping features. The joystick can allow for various buttons orother user input elements to be readily available to a user's hand.Thus, if the joystick is configured to steer the boat 108 (e.g., in someembodiments, no steering wheel is used), the wake shaping input controlscan be readily available to the driver's hand even while the drieroperates the steering mechanism (e.g., joystick). Also a joystick canhave improved water resistance and/or improved resilience as compared tosome user input devices (e.g., a touchscreen). The wake shaping system100 disclosed herein includes various features applicable to improvingthe shape of a wake (e.g., for wake surfing). Various wake shapingfeatures described herein can operate in concert to achieve variousdifferent wake types. The wake shaping system 100 can provide a widerange of user freedom and control to achieve optimal wake shape and sizefor a wide variety of uses.

With reference to FIG. 30 , in some embodiments, the steering wheel 56can include user input elements 57 to allow a driver to control the wakeshaping features. The user input elements 57 can include featuressimilar to the other embodiments discussed herein. The user inputelements 57 can include buttons (or other features) that allow a user toselect a right-side surf wake, a left-side surf wake, an amount ofballast, settings for other wake-modifying devices (e.g., a powerwedge), etc. In some embodiments, the user input elements 57 can allowthe driver to select a wave type and the controller can adjust the wakeshaping features to achieve the specified wake type. In someembodiments, the user input elements 57 can be coupled to the controller120 via a wire. In some embodiments, the user input elements 57 can becoupled to the controller 120 via a wireless communication interface 59(e.g., Bluetooth), which can be advantageous in some instances.

The wake shaping system 100 can allow a user (e.g., a driver, rider, orother operator) to select a wake type. For example, the user can selecta right-side surf wake or a left-side surf wake. Different wake shapescan be optimal for different types of wake surfing and for differenttypes of tricks and maneuvers. For example, in some cases a rider usinga skimmer wake surfboard may want a wake that has a relativelyconsistent, linear slope, while a rider using a conventional wakesurfboard may want a wake that has a relatively curved shape that issteep near the top of the wave. Also, a rider may have particularpreferences regarding the height and length of the wave, and variousother wave features.

FIG. 31 shows an example user interface 142 for selecting a wake type.FIG. 32 shows a wake shaping system incorporating the user interface142. In the illustrated example, the user interface 142 can include abutton 202 that corresponds to a relatively linear left-side surf wake,a button 204 that corresponds to a relatively linear right-side surfwake, a button 206 that corresponds to a relatively curved left-sidesurf wake, and a button 208 that corresponds to a relatively curvedright-side surf wake. Additional buttons can be included for selectingother wake types or other wake features (e.g., wake height, length,etc.). The user interface 142 can include additional buttons 210 and 212for user specified preset wake types. The user interface 142 can includeuser input elements (e.g., buttons) that allow a user to adjust one ormore aspects (e.g., wake height, length, steepness, etc.) of the wake.For example, a user can select a default wake type (e.g., by selectingone of buttons 202-208), and the user can push a button to adjust thewake to differ from the default wake. For example, the user can pressbuttons to selectively increase or decrease the height of the wake, toselectively increase or decrease the length of the wake, or toselectively increase or decrease the steepness of the wake. In somecases, the user input elements can allow for both micro adjustments andmacro adjustments. The user interface 124 can permit a user to store theadjusted settings (e.g., in the memory 124) for later use (e.g., as anew present wake that can be selected by buttons 210 or 212).

The controller 120 can be configured to adjust multiple wake shapingfeatures (e.g., water diverters 102, wedge 130, and/or ballast 128,etc.) based on the selection of a single wake-type button. For example,if the user pushes button 206, which corresponds to a relatively curvedleft-side surf wake, the controller 120 can deploy the right-side waterdiverter 102 to create a left-side surf wake, and the controller candeploy the wedge 130 to a position that creates a relatively curved waveshape. If the user pushes button 204, which corresponds to a relativelylinear right-side surf wake, the controller 120 can deploy the left-sidewater diverter 102 to create a right-side surf wake, and the controllercan move the wedge 130 to a position that creates a relatively linearwave shape. The wedge 130 can pull the back of the boat down into thewater when the wedge 130 is in a deployed position, which can produce arelatively taller and steeper wake shape. When the wedge 130 is in aneutral position, the boat can produce a wake that is less tall and lesssteep than the wake produced with the wedge 130 deployed. In some cases,positioning the wedge in the neutral position can produce a longer surfwake with a surfable area that extends further from the back of the boatthan the wake produced with the wedge 130 deployed. The controller 120can also adjust the ballast 128, as well as other wave shaping featuressuch as trim tabs, boat speed, positions of the water diverters, etc. toproduce the selected wake type.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 can be configured to set theboat speed, or to present a recommended boat speed. In some case, afaster boat speed can cause the surfable area on the wake to lengthenbehind the boat, which can be advantageous for certain tricks andmaneuvers. However, a faster boat speed can also reduce the height ofthe wake. A slower boat speed (that is still sufficiently fast enough tocreate a surf wake) can produce a taller wave that has a shortersurfable length behind the boat. In some embodiments, the controller 120can set the boat speed, upon the selection of the wake type. In someembodiments, the controller 120 can determine a recommended boat speedand can communicate (e.g., via a visual display or an audio speaker) therecommended boat speed to the driver. In some embodiments, the amount ordistribution of the ballast can be changed by the controller 120 inresponse to a user selection of a wave type. The ballast (e.g., waterheld in containers in the boat) can be automatically moved from one sideof the boat (e.g., right side) to the other side of the boat (e.g., leftside) based on a selection that changes the surf wake from one side tothe other. The amount of ballast can increased (e.g., to increase thesize of the surf wake) or reduced (e.g., to reduce the size of the surfwake) in response to a user selection of a wake type. The distributionof the ballast can be changed by the controller 120 based on a userselection of a wake type. For example, more ballast in the back of theboat can result in a wake that has a taller wave height and/or a shortersurfable area behind the boat. More ballast in the front of the boat canresult in a wake that has a shorter wave height and/or a longer surfablearea behind the boat. Thus in response to a user selection of a waketype, the controller 120 can automatically move ballast in the boat fromthe front to the rear or from the rear to the front of the boat. In someembodiments, one or more trim tabs can be used, and the controller 120can automatically move the one or more trim tabs in response to a userselection of a wake type. For example, one or more trim tabs in adeployed position can raise the back of the boat, which can result in asurf wake with a shorter wave height and/or a longer surfable areabehind the boat. Setting the one or more trim tabs to a neutral positioncan produce a surf wake with a taller wave height and/or a shortersurfable area behind the boat. Those of skill in the art will understandbased on the disclosure herein that various different combinations ofsettings for the different wake shaping features can be used to producea variety of different wake shapes.

In some embodiments, the water diverters 102 can be adjustable. Forexample, the water diverters 102 can be positioned at intermediatepositions between the fully retracted and the fully deployed positions.In some embodiments, the water diverters 102 can be movable in otherdirections in addition to the movement between the retracted anddeployed positions. For example, in some cases the water diverters canbe raised and lowered. If a large about of weight is on the boat 108(e.g., as ballast 128, or passengers, or equipment), the water diverters102 can be raised to compensate for the boat riding lower in the water.In some embodiments, the water diverters can be movable forward (towardsthe bow), rearward, and/or from side to side (e.g., towards thestarboard or port sides of the boat 108. The positions of the waterdiverters 102 can be changed by the controller 120 based on otherparameters, such as boat speed, etc. Various mechanisms can be used tomove the water diverters 102 (e.g., rails, slides, hydraulic actuators,etc.)

In some embodiments, the controller can consider both static variables(such as the type of boat) and dynamic variables (such as the depth ofthe water, the number of passengers on board, etc.) when setting thewake shaping features to achieve a specified wake type. Because thedynamic variables can have different values at different times, thecontroller can be configured to adjust the wake shaping featuresdifferently at different times even when trying to achieve the same waketype. For example, the controller 120 may use less ballast 128 when morepassengers are on the boat 108. In some embodiments, the controller 120can be configured to adjust the wake shaping features on the fly, whilethe boat is moving, for example, to try and keep the wake consistentwhen dynamic variables change. For example, if the depth of water underthe boat changes, the shape of the wake can also change, and thecontroller can be configured to adjust the wake shaping features tocompensate for the change in water depth to minimize the change in shapein the wake. In some embodiments, the system 100 can include one or moresensors 127 to measure dynamic variables. For example, a water depthsensor can be included. A boat speed sensor can be included, especiallywhere the user is permitted to adjust the speed of the boat. The boatcan include weight sensors for determining how much passenger weight ison the boat and/or the distribution of the passenger weight. Weightsensors can be located in the seats and/or in the floor of the boat 108.In some embodiments, the user interface 142 can be configured to receiveinput from the user regarding at least some of the dynamic variables.For example the user interface 142 can allow a user to specify a numberof passengers on the boat and/or the distribution of the passengers onthe boat 108.

The user interface 142 shown in FIG. 31 includes a wake quality inputelement 214, which can allow a user to grade the quality of the wakeproduced by the boat 108. For example, if the user pushes button 204,which corresponds to a relatively linear right-side surf wake, but theuser observes that the produced wake is more curved than desired, theuser can give the wake a low score (e.g., by pushing a button for alower number such as 1 or 2). On the other hand, if the user observesthat the current settings produce a wake that conforms well to thespecified wake shape, the user can give the wake a high score (e.g., bypushing a button for a higher score such as a 4 or 5). The userinterface 142 can include user input elements that are configured topermit the user to provide quality feedback regarding a particularaspect of the wake. For example, the user can select a buttoncorresponding to wake height and can make a selection that indicates theheight of the wake. The system can use the collected data to improve thewake and to “learn” the preferences of the rider. In some cases, thememory 124 can store different settings for different riders, to accountfor the individual rider preferences. The user interface 142 can allowthe user to identify the rider.

In some embodiments, settings and/or algorithms for particular wakeshapes can be downloaded to the memory 124 of the wake shaping system100, e.g., from a remote source such as a data center 220. The datacenter 220 can include a processor 224 and a database 226 that includessettings and/or algorithms for various wake types. The algorithms canspecify how the settings should change as a result of changes in thedynamic variables. The data center 220 can communicate with the wakeshaping system 100 via a communication interface 222 associated with thedata center and the communication interface 126 on the boat 108. Forexample, a wireless communication link can be established between thedata center 220 and the boat 108, so that data can be downloaded to thememory 124 in the boat 108 from the database 226 of the data center 220.In some embodiments, updates can be released for the settings and/oralgorithms for the types of wakes, and the updates can be downloaded tothe boat memory 124 from the data center 220. In some embodiments, datacan be transferred from the boat memory 124 to the data center 220. Forexample, a user can upload personalized settings to the data center 220for storage, and the personalized settings can later be downloaded to adifferent boat. Thus, the user can have personal settings savedindependent of the specific boat that was used to develop thepersonalized settings. Thus if the user is on a different boat (e.g.,during a competition or when traveling), the user can still access thepersonalized settings that were stored in the data center. In someembodiments, the data center 220 can allow a user to download settingsand/or algorithms that were uploaded and/or developed by other users.For example, the data center can allow a user to download the samesettings and/or algorithms used by a professional wake surfer, by theuser's friend, etc. In some embodiments, the data center 220 can allowthe users to score, grade, or rank the settings and/or algorithms ofothers, and the data center 220 can communicate the scores, grades, orranks to others. The data center 220 and/or the interface 142 can permita user to search for settings for a particular wake type. Thus, a usersearching for settings and/or an algorithm for producing a particulartype of wave can identify settings and/or algorithms for that wake typethat were well received by other users. In some embodiments, theprocessor 224 can be configured to perform statistical analysis on thedata uploaded by the users. The statistical analysis can be used togenerate additional settings and/or algorithms. In some embodiments, amobile device (e.g., a cell phone or tablet computer) can include theinterface 142 (e.g., as part of a mobile device program or app). Themobile device can communicate with the data center 220 as discussedabove. In some embodiments, the mobile device can communicate (e.g., viaa wired or wireless communication interface) with the boat controller120. Thus, a user can use the mobile device to control the wake, andsome or all the functions described in connection with the controller120 can be performed by the mobile device. The user can use the mobiledevice to send data to, or receive data, from the data center 220, asdiscussed herein. In some embodiments, the boat can include a wirelesscommunication interface 126, which can communicate with the data center220 via a wireless network when a user parks the boat in a garage or atanother location that is accessible to the wireless network. In someembodiments, the wireless communication interface 126 on the boat cancommunicate with the data center 220 when the boat is in use (e.g., on alake).

A wake surfing competition can be operated in various different manners,and can include various different features. Various features and ideasthat can be incorporated into a wake surfing competition are discussedbelow. Riders can receive scores based on one or more of power, flow,and variety of tricks. In some embodiments, a rider's run can end aftera set amount of time or after a set number of falls, or the sooner ofthe two. In some embodiments, there is no penalty for falling (otherthan loss of time), thereby providing an incentive to attempt innovativeand difficult tricks. In some embodiments, a rider can receive scoresfor each trick performed during a run, and the overall score for the runand be based at least in part on a set number of one or more top trickscores. For example, the total score for a run can be based at least inpart on the sum of the top two or three trick scores. This can create anincentive for riders to perform difficult and innovative tricks duringthe run, as opposed to a large number of relatively easy maneuvers. Insome embodiments, scores can be given for a group of tricks that arestrung together, as opposed to each individual trick. In someembodiments, the run can be divided into sections, for example, apre-set run may have a first section on the right side, a second sectionon the left side, a third section on the right side, and a fourthsection on the left side. Each section of the run can receive a score,and the overall score for the run can be based on a set number of one ormore top section scores.

In some embodiments, scores can be provided to the rider while the rideris performing the run. This real-time scoring can allow the rider toadjust strategy during the run based on the scores received. The ridernotification elements 122 discussed herein can be used to provide scoresto the rider. The scores can be provided visually (e.g., on a display)and/or audibly (e.g., from an audio speaker). The scores can be providedto spectators during the run as well, which can heighten spectatorenjoyment. One or more video cameras can be mounted onto the boat 108 orcan be held by one or more camera operators on the boat 108. The videodata can be transmitted during the run (e.g., via a wireless signal fromthe communication interface 126), so that the video can be viewed liveby judges, other competitors, and/or by spectators. In some embodiments,multiple competitors can be on the same boat 108, so that the competitorcan rotate through runs quickly. In some embodiments, one or morejudges, coaches, or spectators can be on the boat 108 during thecompetition.

In some embodiments, a rider can start a run by using a tow rope, andthe user can use the tow rope to gain extra speed for performing aninitial trick or maneuver. The rider can drop the tow rope and performthe remainder of the run without the tow rope. In some embodiments, therider can receive a separate score for the initial trick or maneuverthat was performed with the initial boost in speed. In some embodiments,tricks and maneuvers performed while transitioning from a right-sidesurf wake to a left-side surf wake (or vice versa) can be scoreddifferently than maneuvers and tricks that are performed when the surfwake is not in transition. In some cases, the contest can include anaward for the best transfer from one side to the other. The contest canalso include awards for the best single trick, the best air, the besttrick performed with a speed boost from the tow rope, etc. The contestcan also include an overall winner based on the aggregate of severalscores.

In some embodiments, the run can include obstacles, ramps, or otherphysical structures that the rider can incorporate into the tricks andmaneuvers. In some embodiments, the run can pass over different areasthat have different water depths in order to vary the shape of the wake.In some embodiments, a rider can ride the surf wake formed behind afirst boat, and a second boat can produce a wake that interacts with andmodifies the surf wake of the first boat. In some embodiments, the wakesfrom the two boats can interfere with each other to increase the size ofthe surf wake produced by the first boat. In some embodiments, the twoboats can travel in the same direction so that the wake can maintain anincreased size. In some embodiments, the boats can travel in differentdirections so that the two wakes interact only temporarily, e.g.,creating a temporary water ramp. The rider can try to time one or moretricks to take advantage of the temporarily modified wake shape.

In some embodiments, multiple riders can perform runs without stoppingthe boat. For example, jet skis can be used to tow the riders into thewake at the start of a run. Jet skis can also pick up riders when theyfall. In some embodiments, a rider's run ends when the rider falls, sothat the boat does not need to stop to pick up the fallen rider and sothat the next rider can start a run. For example, when a rider falls, ajet ski can tow the next rider into the wake to start the next run.

In some embodiments, the runs can be short and the runs can be performedin an area that is visible to spectators. This can increase spectatorenjoyment of the competition. For example, the distance of the runs canbe less than or equal to about 200 meters, less than or equal to about100 meters, less than or equal to about 50 meters, less than or equal toabout 25 meters, or less. The distance of the runs can be at least about10 meters, at least about 20 meters, at least about 30 meters, at leastabout 50 meters, or more. For example, runs that cover a distance ofabout 50 meters can last for about 15 seconds each. The competition caninclude a large number of runs preformed in rapid secession. In someembodiments, multiple boats can be used. While one boat is performing arun, another boat can be preparing to start a run. In some embodiments,a queue of boats (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more) can be used to reduce timebetween runs. When a boat finishes a run, it can travel back to thestarting side and can enter the back of the queue. In some embodiments,boats can travel in two directions across the course. For example, twoboats can be positioned at opposing ends of the course. A first boat canperform a run and travel across the course in a first direction. Afterthe first boat performs a run, the second boat and perform a run andtravel across the course in a second, generally opposite direction.While one boat is performing a run, the other boat can turn around andprepare for its next run.

In some embodiments, the riders can perform the same preset run, asdiscussed herein, which can provide a consistent environment for thecompetition. The preset run can be selected or created by the rider, thedriver, an operator, a judge, one or more spectators, etc. In someinstances, a group of people (e.g., riders, judges, spectators) can votein order to select a preset run that will be used by multiple riders. Insome embodiments, riders that are regular-footed (left-foot-forward) canuse a first preset run that includes a plurality of wake shape changesand/or a plurality of transitions from one side to the other. Ridersthat are goofy-footed (right-foot-forward) can use a second preset runthat includes the same wake shape changes and transitions except thatthe sides are reversed. For example, a first preset run (forregular-footed riders) can start with a left-side surf wake and cantransition to a right-side surf wake, while the second preset run (forgoofy-footed riders) can start with a right-side surf wake and cantransition to a left-side surf wake. Thus both regular-footed andgoofy-footed riders would ride frontside (front of the rider facing thesurf wake) for the same portions of the run, and they would also ridebackside (back of the rider facing the surf wake) for the same portionsof the run. In some embodiments, the rider can have control over thewake shaping operations (e.g., using the rider control device 134),which can allow for more freedom and creativity during the competitionbecause the rider can choose when to transition from one side to theother and the rider can modify the wake shape to optimize the maneuversthat the rider wants to perform.

In some embodiments, an operator on the boat can control the wake (e.g.,using operator control 135). The rider can give instructions (e.g.,verbally or using hand signals) to the operator. In some cases, theoperator can be a coach or a colleague associated with the rider. Insome cases, the operator can also be the driver of the boat. Theoperator and rider can practice together to coordinate wake shapechanges and wake side transitions with particular tricks and maneuvers.Thus, the competition can involve not only the skill of the riders, butalso the skill of the operators in timing the wake shape changes andwake side transitions. For example, a rider can instruct the operatorthat the rider intends to perform a particular trick that involves amodification of the wake (e.g., a transition from a left-side surf waketo a right-side surf wake). The rider can begin to perform the maneuver,and the operator can issue a command (e.g., using the user interface143) at a particular time during the maneuver (e.g., based on priorpractice performed by the rider and operator).

With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 , the boat 108 can include a chair 250that is movable to help the driver see over the bow of the boat 108(e.g., when the bow is raised). In some situations, the bow of the boat108 can lift upward. For example, when the boat 108 starts moving oraccelerates the bow of the boat 108 can lift upward. In some cases, thebow of the boat 108 can remain raised until the boat 108 reaches a speedthat causes the hull to plane. When the bow of the boat 108 is raised,the stern of the boat 108 can be lowered deeper into the water, whichcan increase the size of the wake produced by the boat 108. Accordingly,the driver can drive the boat 108 at a speed that keeps the stern deepin the water, which can also keep the bow lifted upward. In someembodiments, the boat 108 can include one or more wake-modifying devices(e.g., the Power Wedge 130 discussed herein) that are configured to pullthe stern of the boat 108 downward, which can raise the bow of the boat108. FIG. 33 shows the boat 108 in a relatively level position. FIG. 34shows the boat 108 in a position with the bow lifted upward. The liftedbow can obstruct the visibility of a driver that is seated in thedriver's seat 250. The driver can stand to see over the raised bow, butstanding can be uncomfortable for the driver, and can make it moredifficult for the driver to operate the controls of the boat 108, whichmay be designed to be accessible to a seated driver.

The boat 108 can include a chair 250 that is movable to help the driversee over the raised bow. The chair 250 can have a first (e.g., neutral)position, as shown in FIG. 33 , and the chair 250 can have a second(e.g., raised and/or forward) position, as shown in FIG. 34 . In someembodiments, the chair 250 can be positioned higher in the secondposition than in the first position. The distance 260 between the firstposition of the chair 250 and the second position of the chair 250 canbe at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, atleast about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, or more.The distance can be less than or equal to about 100 cm, less than orequal to about 75 cm, less than or equal to about 50 cm, or less. Insome embodiments, the chair 250 can be raised higher than the rangesprovided above. In some embodiments, the chair 250 can angle forwardwhen it moves from the first position to the second position. The angle258 between the first position and the second position can be at leastabout 2°, at least about 5°, at least about 10°, at least about 15°, atleast about 20°, or more. The angle 258 can be less than or equal to45°, less than or equal to 30°, less than or equal to 20°, less than orequal to 15°, or less. The chair 250 can be angled forward by an amountoutside the ranges provided below, in some embodiments.

One or more actuators 254 can be coupled to the chair 250 can beconfigured to move the chair 250 between the first and second positions.In some embodiments, the actuators 254 can be configured to position thechair 250 at intermediate positions between the first and secondpositions. The actuators 254 can include one or more hydraulic and/orpneumatic actuators, rails and slides, electric motors, etc. In someembodiments, multiple actuators 254 can be used to enable the chair 250to move in multiple degrees of motion. For example, chair 25 can beraised and lowered, rotated forward and rearward, slide forward andrearward, etc. A seat portion of the chair 250 and a back portion of thechair 250 can move together, independently, and/or relative to eachother. In some embodiments, a base member 252 can couple the chair 250to the boat 108.

In some embodiments, the chair 250 can include manual controlsconfigured to permit a user to set the position of the chair 250.Accordingly, a user can manually adjust chair to the second positionwhen the bow is raised. For example, buttons, dials, or other usercontrol elements can be provided (e.g., on the chair 250 or on a controlpanel), and the user can actuate the user control elements to move thechair 250. The user control elements can include a first button, and thecontroller 120 can move the chair 250 to the first (e.g., neutral)position in response to user selection of the first button. The usercontrol elements can include a second button, and the controller 120 canmove the chair 250 to the second (e.g., raised and/or forward) positionin response to user selection of the second button. The memory 124 caninclude saved settings for the first and second positions of the chair250, and in some embodiments the user can adjust the saved settings. Forexample, the user can adjust the chair 250 to a desired first position(e.g., using the user control elements) and the user can save thesettings for the desired first position. Similarly, the user can adjustthe chair 250 to a desired second position (e.g., using the user controlelements) and the user can save the settings for the desired secondposition. The memory 124 can have saved settings for multiple drivers.The memory 124 can have saved settings for first and second positionsfor each of multiple drivers. The user input elements can be configuredto allow a user to change the selected driver, and also to changebetween the first and second chair positions for the selected driver.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 can move the chair from thefirst position to the second position automatically when the bow israised. The boat 108 can include a sensor 256, which can be configuredto determine whether the bow is raised. For example, the sensor 246 canbe an orientation sensor (e.g., comprising an accelerometer) or a levelsensor that is configured to measure the orientation of the boat 108. Insome embodiments, when the angle of the boat 108 is below a thresholdvalue, the controller 120 can position the chair 250 at the firstposition, and when the angle of the boat 108 is above a threshold value,the controller 120 can position the chair 250 at the second position. Insome embodiments, the controller 120 moves the chair 250 to the secondposition when the angle of the boat 108 is above the threshold angle fora threshold amount of time. This can avoid movement of the chair 250when the boat 108 is only in a raised-bow position for a short time. Thecontroller 120 can be configured to move the chair 250 gradually betweenthe first position and the second position as the angle of inclinationof the boat 108 increases. The controller 120 can be configured to movethe chair 250 gradually toward the first position as the angle ofinclination of the boat 108 decreases towards a level orientation. Thus,in some embodiments, the chair 250 can move gradually to variousdifferent positions as orientation of the boat 108 moves graduallybetween various different angles.

In some embodiments, one or more driver control features can move whenthe chair 250 moves. For example, the angle and/or height of thesteering wheel can change as the chair 250 moves toward the firstposition or toward the second position. The throttle control, touchscreen, buttons, driver output elements (e.g., a speedometer or adisplay), and/or other driver control features can be movable in similarmanner to maintain proximity and orientation relative to the driver asthe chair 250 moves back and forth between the first position and thesecond position.

The driver control features can be coupled to the chair 250 such thatthey move together, e.g., as part of a movable driver station thatincludes the chair 250 and the driver control features. In someembodiments, the driver control features can include one or moreactuators separate from the one or more chair actuators 254. The drivercontrol features can move independent from or relative to the chair 250,in some cases.

In some embodiments, the driver's chair and the driver control features(e.g., steering wheel, etc.) can be positioned in a generally centralportion of the boat 108, as opposed to a starboard or port side.

With reference now to FIG. 35 , in some embodiments, the boat 108 caninclude a camera 262 (e.g., a video camera) that is positioned togenerate pictures or video of an area in front of the boat 108. Thepictures or video can be displayed (e.g., to a driver) on a display 264,e.g., to thereby show the viewer where the boat 108 is going. In someembodiments, the controller 120 can receive the pictures or video fromthe camera 262 (e.g., via a wire or a wireless communication link), andthe controller 120 can display the pictures or video on the display 264.The camera 262 can be positioned in or on a bow portion of the boat 108and can be pointed forward. Various other positions are possible for thecamera 262. The camera 262 and display 264 can improve the visibility ofthe driver, especially when the bow of the boat 108 is raised, asdiscussed herein.

With reference to FIG. 36 , in some cases, a rider can hold on to a rope266 (e.g., to a handle 268 on the rope 266) during the start of a wakesurf run. The rope 266 can pull the rider up out of the water as theboat 108 starts moving. Once the rider is positioned on the surf wake,the rider can release the rope 266 and can ride the surf wake withoutthe assistance of the rope 266. In some instances, the rope 266 caninterfere with the rider. For example, a rider may toss the rope 266aside, but the flow of water can drive the rope 266 back towards therider, which can cause the rider to fall and/or become tangled in therope 266. When the rider releases the rope 266, a passenger in the boat108 can gather the rope 266 into the boat, which can be burdensome onthe passenger. In some embodiments, the boat 108 can include aretractable rope 266. The rope 266 can automatically retract (e.g., intothe boat 108) when the rider releases the rope 266.

In some embodiments, the boat 108 can include a rope retractingmechanism 270. The rope retracting mechanism 270 can include a spool272, which can be rotatable about an axis. The rope can be coupled tothe spool 272 such that rotation of the spool 272 in a first directioncauses the rope 262 to wrap around the spool 272. Accordingly, rotationof the spool 272 in the first direction can cause the rope 266 to begathered into the rope retracting mechanism. Rotation of the spool 272in a second direction can release the rope 266 from the spool 272, whichcan allow the rope 266 to exit the rope retracting mechanism. The roperetracting mechanism 270 can include a biasing element 274 that isconfigured to bias the spool 272 in the first direction. The biasingelement 274 can be a spring coupled to the spool 272 such that rotationof the spool 272 in the second direction causes potential energy tobuild up in the spring. If the rope 266 is in an extended position andthere is insufficient force to hold the rope 266 in the extendedposition (e.g., when the rider releases the rope 266), the biasingelement 274 can cause the spool 272 to rotate in the first direction toretract the rope 266. When a sufficient force is applied to the rope 266to overcome the biasing element 274 (e.g., when a rider is holding therope and being towed behind the boat 108), the rope 266 can remain inthe extended position. When the rider releases the rope 266, the rope266 can be automatically retracted to the boat 108.

In some embodiments, the rope 266 can be locked at a desired length. Forexample, one or more engagement features on the spool 272 can beselectively engaged by one or more locking features, which can lock thespool 272 in place, thereby preventing the spool 272 from retracting therope 266 and/or preventing the spool 272 from releasing more of the rope266. An actuator (e.g., a button or lever) can be configured to engageand/or disengage the locking features and the engagement features. Theengagement features and locking features can include one or more teethand one or more pawls. For example, the spool 272 can included variousteeth distributed around the spool 272, and an actuator can cause a pawlto engage the teeth to lock the spool. To lock the rope 266 at aparticular length, the rope can be extracted to the particular length,and the actuator can be actuated to engage the locking features with theengagement features.

In some embodiments, the rope 266 can be set to a selectable maximumlength while rope retraction is enabled. Different riders may prefer touse different lengths of rope. Different lengths of rope may bepreferable for different wake types and different wake settings.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a maximum length of the rope 266 canbe set, such that the spool 272 is impeded from rotating further in thesecond direction. The spool 272 can be permitted to rotate in the firstdirection (e.g., due to a force applied by the biasing element 274).Thus, in some embodiments, when the locking mechanism is activated, thelength of rope 266 behind the boat 108 can only shorten and cannotincrease in length. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism caninclude a ratchet system, e.g., which can include one or more pawls andone or more teeth. When engaged with each other, the pawls and teeth canbe configured to ratchet in a first direction (e.g., to allow the spool272 to rotate in the first direction to retract the rope 262) and toprevent rotation of the spool 272 in the second direction. The lockingmechanism can be released (e.g., by pushing a button or moving a lever,etc.), which can cause the pawls and teeth to disengage, which can allowrotation of the spool 272 in both directions.

In some embodiments, the water diverters 102 can be set manually. Insome embodiments, the features for manually setting the water diverters102 can be used in place of the actuators and electronic controllersdiscussed herein. In some embodiments, the features for manually settingthe water diverters 102 can be included along with the actuators andelectronic controllers discussed herein. For example, if a malfunctionoccurs with the electronic system for setting the water diverters 102,the manual features can be used as a backup. In some embodiments, theactuators can be decoupled from the water diverters 102 (e.g., byremoving a pin or bolt, or by releasing a clamp or other releasableattachment mechanism). Thus, the water diverters 102 can be detachedfrom the actuators when the manual positioning system is used. In someembodiments, the manual positioning system can be used while theactuators remain coupled to the water diverters 102.

Various types of mechanisms can be used to manually set the waterdiverters 102. With reference to FIG. 37 , in some embodiments, themanual features can include first positioning elements 280 configured toposition the water diverters 102 at the extended or deployed position(as shown on the left side of FIG. 37 ). In some embodiments, secondpositioning elements 282 can be included and can be configured toposition the water diverters 102 at a neutral or retracted position (asshown on the right side of FIG. 37 ). In some embodiments, thepositioning elements 280 and/or 282 can be movably (e.g., pivotally)coupled to the boat 108 (e.g., to the transom), and the positioningelements 280 and/or 282 can be moved aside when not coupled to the waterdiverters 102. For example, the positioning elements 280 and/or 282 thatare not in use can be engage retaining mechanisms that are configured tohold the positioning elements 280 and/or 282 against or near the hull ofthe boat 108. The water diverters 102 can include retaining mechanismsthat are configured to couple the positioning elements 280 and/or 282 tothe water diverters 102 to position the water diverters at therespective deployed and neutral positions. The first positioningelements 280 can be longer than the second positioning elements 282 suchthat the first positioning elements 280 are configured to cause thewater diverters 102 to extend past the side of the transom when thefirst positioning elements 280 are coupled to the water diverters 102,which can create a surf wake, as discussed herein. In some embodiments,the positioning elements 280 and/or 282 can be removably attachable tothe water diverters 102 via pins, bolts, clamps, snap fit elements,friction fit elements, or other suitable releasable attachment elements.In some embodiments, the second positioning elements 282 can be omitted.For example, in some cases, a water diverter 102 can be removable whennot deployed.

Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the water diverters102 can rotate towards the center line of the boat 108 until they arenear, or abutting against, the transom 35 of the boat 108. A retainingmember on the transom can couple with a corresponding retaining memberon the water diverter 102 to hold the water diverter at against or nearthe transom 35. In some embodiments, the water diverters 102 can beremovable. For example, the water diverters 102 can slide into a slotformed on the boat 108 (e.g., on or near the transom 35), and the slotcan be configured to position the water diverter 102 in the extended ordeployed positions to create a surf wake as discussed herein. To createa right-side surf wake, the left-side water diverter 102 can bepositioned in the deployed position (e.g., using the slot), and theright-side water diverter 102 can be removed.

In some embodiments, the water diverters 102 can be removable, or thewater diverters can move (e.g., pivot) to a collapsed position thatfacilitates storage of the boat 108. In some cases, the swim platformcan be removed to make the boat 108 more compact for storage (e.g., in agarage). The water diverters 102 can also be removable (as discussedabove), which can facilitate storage of the boat 102. In someembodiments, the water diverters 102 can be movable (e.g., pivotable) toa collapsed position, which can be further inward than the neutral orretracted position. For example, in the collapsed position, the waterdiverter 102 can extend generally parallel with the transom 35. In thecollapsed position, the water divert 102 can extend towards the centerline of the boat 108. For example, FIG. 38 shows an example embodimentsof a boat 108 with the swim platform 70 omitted or removed, and with thewater diverters 102 pivoted inward to the collapsed position. In someembodiments, the swim platform 70 would prevent the water diverters 102from pivoting to the collapsed position when the swim platform 70 isattached. With the swim platform 70 removed, the water diverters 102 canbe moved to the collapsed position. In some embodiments, the waterdiverters 102 can slide forward to the collapsed position, to reduce theamount of the water diverters that extends past the rear of the boat108. In some embodiments, the water diverters 102 do not extend rearwardpast the other portions of the boat when in the collapsed positionand/or when the swim platform 70 is removed. In some embodiments, thewater diverters 102 extend rearward no more than about 1 cm, no morethan about 3 cm, no more than about 5 cm, no more than about 10 cm, nomore than about 20 cm, or more past the other portions of the boat 108(e.g., the boat hull, the Power Wedge 130, etc.) when the water diverter102 is in the collapsed position and/or when the swim platform 70 isremoved.

With reference to FIG. 39 , in some embodiments, the wake-modifyingdevice 130 (which can be a Power Wedge similar to that described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,140,318, the entire contents of which is incorporated byreference herein for all that it discloses) can have removable and/orinterchangeable wake shaping features. For example the wedge 130 canhave interchangeable foils 131 a-d. The different foils 131 a-d can havedifferent shapes, different orientations, and/or different sizes, whichcan be configured to produce different wake shaping effects. Theinterchangeable foils 131 a-d can have features that are similar to, orthe same as, the interchangeable water diverters 102 a-d discussed inconnection with FIGS. 19-21 , and much of the disclosure of associatedwith FIGS. 19-21 is applicable to the interchangeable foils 131 a-d andis not repeated here. The wedge 130 can include a positioning element129 (e.g., a shaft) and the boat 108 can include an actuator configuredto move the positioning element 129 between at least a deployed positionand a neutral position. FIG. 39 shows the wedge 130 in a neutralposition. In some embodiments, the actuator can position the wedge atinterim positions between the neutral position and the deployed position(e.g., depending on a selected wake type). The positioning element 129can be coupled to the boat 108 (e.g., by a joint) such that thepositioning element 129 can pivot (e.g., about an axis that issubstantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the boat 108). Thepositioning element 129 can be configured to removably receive the foils131 a-d, and the foils 131 a-d can be configured to removably attach tothe positioning element 129. The foils 131 a-d and/or the positioningelement 129 can include coupling mechanisms (not shown in FIG. 39 )configured to removably attach one of the foils 131 a-d to thepositioning element 129. For example, a sliding engagement members, snapfit engagement members, friction fit engagement members, claps, pins, orany other suitable engagement members can be used to removably couplethe foils 131 a-d to the positioning element 129.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 40 and 41 , which illustrate a wakemodifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft 401traveling through water. The system generally includes a rudder 405pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, one ormore fins pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along acenterline 410 of the watercraft and forward the rudder 405. In theillustrated embodiment, the fin pivots about an upright axis thereof tomodify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water.One will appreciate that the axis may be substantially vertical, orsomewhat inclined. The system also includes an actuator 450 mountedwithin the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting thefin relative to centerline 410. A controller 460 is mounted on thewatercraft allowing an operator to control actuator 450 to selectivelypivot the fin to a desired angle θd relative to centerline 410.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wake modifyingsystem may include a single fin 430 or 440. Fin 430 or 440 may bedisposed along centerline 410 substantially adjacent a midline 420 ofthe watercraft.

Centerline 410 is an imaginary line dividing the watercraft along alongitudinal direction substantially in equal ratio in a traversedirection of the watercraft. The midline 420 is an imaginary linedividing the watercraft along a traverse direction substantially inequal ratio in a longitudinal direction of the watercraft.

As shown in FIG. 42 , each of fin 430 or 440 may include a short portion432, 442 extending in a direction from the upright axis 436 or 446 offin 430 or 440 and a long portion 434, 444 thereof extending in anotherdirection from the upright axis 436 or 446, wherein each short portionof fin 430 or 440 extends in opposing directions from the upright axis436 or 446 respectively. One will appreciate that the forward portion ofthe fins may be longer or shorter than the rearward portion of the fins.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the length ratio ofshort portions 432, 442 and long portions 434, 444 may be approximately1:3. In other embodiments, short portions 432, 442 and the long portions434, 444 may have lengths of approximately 3.5 inches and approximately8.5 inches, respectively. One will appreciate that the actual dimensionsmay vary.

The wake modifying system may further include an actuator 450 that isoperably coupled to one or both fins 430 and 440 for pivoting the finsrelative to centerline 410 in phase.

In various embodiments, the wake modifying system of the presentinvention may have one, two, three or more fins. The fin(s) may bedisposed between stern 402 and midline 420, or in various embodiments,forward the midline. The long portion 434 of fin 430 may be alignedtoward stern 402 or toward bow 403 of the watercraft.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the wake modifying systemmay include only a fin 440 that is disposed between bow 403 and midline420. The long portion 444 of fin 440 may be aligned toward stern 402 ofthe watercraft or toward bow 403 of the watercraft.

Fin 430 or 440 may be pivoted by a link mechanism, a rack and pinionmechanism, or other suitable means. Since operation of the actuatorapplied to a single fin is similar to that applied to a plurality offins, the below explanation will be made primarily with reference to awake modifying system having two fins. One will appreciate that one ormore actuators may be provided to control one or more fins.

In addition, the plurality of fins may include two or more fins whichthat may be individually rotated, or cooperatively controlled to rotatethe fins simultaneously, synchronously or asynchronously, and/orin-phase or out-of-phase.

Fins 430 and 440 may be pivotally mounted to the watercraftsubstantially along centerline 410 of the watercraft. Fins 430 and 440may be substantially adjacent the midline 420 of the watercraft as shownin FIGS. 41-44 . In various embodiments, one fin may be disposed betweenstern 402 and midline 420 while another fin may be disposed between bow403 and midline 420.

In various embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 45(A)and 45(B), the long portions 434 and 444 of fins 430 and 440 may bedisposed toward stern 402, that is, the long portions may extend aft.The long portions 434 and 444 of fins 430 and 440 may operate to move tothe same side (i.e., left or right direction) with respect to centerline410 as shown in FIG. 45(B). Accordingly, the long portions 434 and 444of fins 430 and 440 may synchronously pivot to the left or right side ofthe center line 410.

However, while the long portions 434 and 444 of fins 430 and 440 mayoperate in one side, for instance, the right side of the watercraft withrespect to centerline 410 as shown in FIG. 45(B), the watercraft maytend to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in the drawing.Accordingly, the rudder 405 may be actuated by controller 460 to rotatein a clockwise direction, as shown in the drawing, or in a counterclockwise direction.

FIGS. 46-48 show another exemplary embodiment of the present inventionin which a long portion 434 of fin 430 is aligned toward stern 402 andthe long portion 444 of fin 440 is aligned toward the bow 403.

In this structure, long portions 434 and 444 of fins 430 and 440 mayoperate in the same side (i.e., left or right side) with respect tocenterline 410 as shown in FIGS. 47(A) and 47(B). Accordingly, the longportions 434 and 444 of fins 430 and 440 may synchronously pivot in theleft or right side of the center line 410 with a phase difference.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, long portions434 and 444 of fins 430 and 440 may operate in the opposite sides (i.e.,left side and right side) individually with respect to centerline 410 asshown in FIGS. 48(A) and 48(B).

However, as shown in FIGS. 48(A) and 48(B), while the long portions 434and 444 of fins 430 and 440 may operate in opposite sides respectivelywith respect to the centerline of the watercraft, the watercraft maytend to rotate by the reaction force of water applied to fins 430 and440 in front thereof. Accordingly, the rudder 405 may be steered by thecontroller 460 to counteract the rotation of the watercraft.

Hereinafter, a link mechanism and a rack and pinion to control fins 430and 440 of wake modifying system in an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention will be explained.

FIGS. 42, 44, and 49 are a schematic view illustrating two fins coupledto an actuator via a link mechanism according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

The link mechanism may include arms 458 and 459 which are fixed to fins430 and 440 wherein an end of each arm 458 or 459 is pivotally coupledto a connecting rod 455.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 44 , one end ofactuator 450 may be affixed to the watercraft and another end thereof isoperably coupled to another end of one of the arms 458 and 459 such thatactuator 450 can synchronously pivot fins 430 and 440 relative tocenterline 410.

In various embodiments, another end of actuator 450 may be fixed to oneend of the connecting rod 455 and disposed in parallel as shown in FIG.48 such that actuator 450 can synchronously pivot fins 430 and 440relative to centerline 410.

FIG. 50 is a schematic view illustrating two fins coupled to an actuatorvia a rack and pinion according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Here, one end of actuator 450 may be affixed to the watercraft andanother end thereof is operably coupled to a rack 470 which is meshed topinions 475 formed adjacent to the upright axis 436 and 446 of each fin430 and 440 as shown in FIG. 50 .

The wake modifying system, as an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, may further include a display device having touch screen 400.In this structure, the operator may provide a control signal to thecontroller 460 by touching the touch screen 400 to control the rotationangle of fins 430 and 440. One will also appreciate that otherwiseconventional switches (e.g., mechanical, electronic, electromechanical,etc.) or other suitable means may be used to translate the drivers inputto suitable controls.

Hereinafter, the operation of wake modifying system in an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will explained with reference toFIGS. 45(A) and 45(B).

As shown in FIG. 45(A), fins 430 and 440 extend in their neutralposition substantially along center line 410. If a right side surf wakeis desired, surf fins 430 and 440 may be turned to the left to a desiredangle θd, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 45(B). Such leftward alignmentof the fins will cause the watercraft to turn towards the left. In orderto compensate, the driver must actively turn the watercraft to theright, for example, steer to the right to overcome the effects of fins430 and 440 of pulling the boat to the left. In order for the watercraftto ultimately travel straight, rudder 405 angles to the left as thedriver steers right, as shown in FIG. 45(B), which causes the watercraftto lean right such that the right aft corner sinks into the water (inmuch the same manner as the watercraft would if it were performing aconventional right turn.

One will appreciate that, if a left surf wake is desired, the fins andrudder would be turned in the opposing direction (e.g., as the fins areshown in phantom in FIG. 45(B). This would require steering left tocompensate, thus causing the water craft to lean left and effecting aleft surf wake.

As noted above, and with continued reference to FIG. 45(B), fins 430 and440 (as shown in solid lines) cause the watercraft to turn to the left.To compensate for this tendency to turn left, the driver must steer thewatercraft to the right in order to track a straight path (e.g.,parallel to centerline 410). Steering to the right causes rudder 405 toangle left and extend in substantially the same direction as fins 430and 440, and in some cases, extend substantially parallel to the fins.Such alignment of fins and rudder may direct or channel more water tothe right side of the watercraft, which may serve to further enhance aright surf wake.

Such enhancement may result in creating a suitable wake for surfing withless overall lean of the watercraft. For example, using conventionalballast methods, a significant amount of weight would be positioned oneside of the stern which would effect a 14° lean to the desired side. Incontrast, using the fins of the present invention may effect a suitablewake with as little as 5° lean toward the desired side. Such reducedlean may facilitate control of the water craft, and provide passengerson the water craft a more enjoyable ride.

One will also appreciate that the configuration of the present inventionallows the driver to switch from a right surf wake to a left surf wake“on-the-fly”. In particular, the driver may simply switch the fins fromthe solid line position of FIG. 45(B) to the phantom line position ofFIG. 45(B), even while the watercraft is in motion, even if thewatercraft is at speed.

When a speed of the watercraft is above a predetermined speed, thecontroller 460 may be configured to control actuator 450 to rotate thelong portion 434 and 444 of each or both of fins 430 and 440 toapproximately 0° relative to centerline 410. Accordingly, the watercraftmay travel with fewer wakes. The predetermined speed may beapproximately 10 miles per hour.

However, when the operator of the watercraft may create a large wake, hemay provide control signal to the controller 460 via the touch screen400, and then the controller 460 regulates actuator 450 to pivot fins430 and 440 to the desired angle θd.

Since fins 430 and 440 are aligned with a predetermined angle withrespect to the movement direction of the watercraft, the water facingthe bow 403 of the watercraft creates reaction force to fins 430 and440. Accordingly, the bow 403 is yawed into the water.

In this structure, bow of the watercraft biased into the water isfurther submerged into the water such that larger wakes are effectivelycreated by the body of the watercraft.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum angleis approximately 22 degrees.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appendedclaims, the terms “upper” and “lower” are used to describe features ofthe exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of suchfeatures as displayed in the figures.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appendedclaims, the terms “inward” and “outward”, “inboard” and “outboard”, andetc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments withreference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in orderto explain certain principles of the invention and their practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make andutilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as wellas various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto andtheir equivalents.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A water-sports boat configured to facilitateuser-controlled selection of which side of a wake of the water-sportsboat to enhance for wake surfing, the water-sports boat comprising: ahull configured to at least contribute to production of a wake having aport-side wave and a starboard-side wave that diverge when the hullmoves through water; a propulsion system comprising a propeller; astarboard-side surf selector; a port-side surf selector; a port-sidedeflector configured to move between a neutral position and a deployedposition; a port-side actuator operably configured to move saidport-side deflector between said neutral and said deployed positions; astarboard-side deflector configured to move between a neutral positionand a deployed position; and a starboard-side actuator operablyconfigured to move said starboard-side deflector between said neutraland said deployed positions; wherein the water-sports boat has aport-side surf configuration where the port-side deflector is positionedat the neutral position and the starboard-side deflector is positionedat the deployed position, and wherein the water-sports boat in theport-side surf configuration is configured to enhance port-side wakesurfing when the hull moves through water by at least causing theport-side wave to be smoother than the starboard-side wave; wherein thewater-sports boat has a starboard-side surf configuration where thestarboard-side deflector is positioned at the neutral position and theport-side deflector is positioned at the deployed position, wherein thewater-sports boat in the starboard-side surf configuration is configuredto enhance starboard-side wake surfing when the hull moves through waterby at least causing the starboard-side wave to be smoother than theport-side wave; wherein the water-sports boat is configured totransition to the starboard-side surf configuration with thestarboard-side deflector at the neutral position and the port-sidedeflector at the deployed position upon actuation of the starboard-sidesurf selector; and wherein the water-sports boat is configured totransition to the port-side surf configuration with the port-sidedeflector at the neutral position and the starboard-side deflector atthe deployed position upon actuation of the port-side surf selector. 22.The water-sports boat of claim 21, wherein: the water-sports boat isconfigured to transition from the port-side surf configuration to thestarboard-side surf configuration upon actuation of the starboard-sidesurf selector while the hull is traveling through water at speedssuitable for surfing; and the water-sports boat is configured totransition from the starboard-side surf configuration to the port-sidesurf configuration upon actuation of the port-side surf selector whilethe hull is traveling through water at speeds suitable for surfing. 23.The water-sports boat of claim 21, further comprising a rudder, wherein,when the water-sports boat is configured in the port-side surfconfiguration, the rudder is operable to counteract effects of thestarboard-side deflector on a direction of travel and, when thewater-sports boat is configured in the starboard-side surfconfiguration, the rudder is operable to counteract effects of theport-side deflector on said direction of travel.
 24. The water-sportsboat of claim 21, wherein the water-sports boat in the port-side surfconfiguration is configured to enhance port-side wake surfing by atleast causing the port-side wave to be higher than the starboard-sidewave and wherein the water-sports boat in the starboard-side surfconfiguration is configured to enhance starboard-side wake surfing by atleast causing the starboard-side wave to be higher than the port-sidewave.
 25. The water-sports boat of claim 21, further comprising a centerwake modifying device movable to modify the wake, wherein the centerwake modifying device interacts with water flowing below a bottom centerportion of the transom when deployed.
 26. The water-sports boat of claim25, wherein the center wake modifying device is movable betweenpositions to adjust a size of the wake.
 27. The water-sports boat ofclaim 25, wherein the center wake modifying device pivots about ahorizontal axis.
 28. The water-sports boat of claim 25, wherein thecenter wake modifying device comprises a foil.
 29. The water-sports boatof claim 21, wherein: the port-side deflector extends past a port-sideedge of the transom when in the deployed position; and thestarboard-side deflector extends past a starboard-side edge of thetransom when in the deployed position.
 30. The water-sports boat ofclaim 21, wherein: the port-side deflector in the neutral position issubstantially entirely retracted behind the transom such that nosubstantial portion of the port-side deflector extends beyond thetransom in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hull;and the starboard-side deflector in the neutral position issubstantially entirely retracted behind the transom such that nosubstantial portion of the starboard-side deflector extends beyond thetransom in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thehull.
 31. A system that includes the water-sports boat of claim 21, thesystem further comprising a rider control device that houses thestarboard-side surf selector and the port-side surf selector, the ridercontrol device configured to receive a selection from a rider that iswake surfing behind the water-sports boat.
 32. The water-sports boat ofclaim 21, further comprising one or more rider notification elementsconfigured to provide an alert to a rider of a transition to thestarboard-side surf configuration or to the port-side surfconfiguration.
 33. The water-sports boat of claim 21, further comprisinga user interface including a touchscreen, wherein the starboard-sidesurf selector and the port-side surf selector comprise one or moretouchscreen buttons.
 34. A water-sports boat comprising: a hullconfigured to produce a wake having a starboard side and a port sidewhen the hull moves through water; and at least one water diverterhaving a starboard-side surf configuration and a port-side surfconfiguration; wherein the at least one water diverter in thestarboard-side surf configuration is configured to divert water in aport direction as the hull moves through the water to enhance thestarboard side of the wake for wake surfing by making the starboard sideof the wake substantially smoother than the port side of the wake; andwherein the at least one water diverter in the port-side surfconfiguration is configured to divert water in a starboard direction asthe hull moves through the water to enhance the port side of the wakefor wake surfing by making the port side of the wake substantiallysmoother than the starboard side of the wake.
 35. The water-sports boatof claim 34, wherein the at least one water diverter comprises astarboard-side water diverter that is movable between a deployedposition and an undeployed position using a first actuator, and aport-side water diverter that is movable between a deployed position andan undeployed position using a second actuator.
 36. The water-sportsboat of claim 35, comprising: a starboard-side surf selector; and aport-side surf selector; wherein the water-sports boat is configured totransition to the starboard-side surf configuration with thestarboard-side water diverter at the undeployed position and theport-side water diverter at the deployed position upon actuation of thestarboard-side surf selector; and wherein the water-sports boat isconfigured to transition to the port-side surf configuration with theport-side water diverter at the undeployed position and thestarboard-side deflector at the deployed position upon actuation of theport-side surf selector.
 37. The water-sports boat of claim 36, wherein:the water-sports boat is configured to transition from the port-sidesurf configuration to the starboard-side surf configuration uponactuation of the starboard-side surf selector while the hull istraveling through water at speeds suitable for surfing; and thewater-sports boat is configured to transition from the starboard-sidesurf configuration to the port-side surf configuration upon actuation ofthe port-side surf selector while the hull is traveling through water atspeeds suitable for surfing.
 38. The water-sports boat of claim 34,wherein the at least one water diverter is configured to extend past astarboard side of the hull to divert water in the starboard direction toenhance the port side of the wake, and wherein the at least one waterdiverter is configured to extend past a port side of the hull to divertwater in the port direction to enhance the starboard side of the wake.39. The water-sports boat of claim 34, wherein the at least one waterdiverter is substantially upright.
 40. A method of operating a surf wakesystem on a water-sports boat, the method comprising: propelling a hullof the water-sports boat through water to produce a wake that has astarboard-side wave and a port-side wave; and positioning at least onewater diverter in either a starboard-side surf configuration or aport-side surf configuration; wherein positioning the at least one waterdiverter in the starboard-side surf configuration diverts water in aport direction as the hull moves through the water to enhance thestarboard-side wave of the wake for wake surfing by making thestarboard-side wave of the wake substantially smoother than theport-side wave of the wake; and wherein positioning the at least onewater diverter in the port-side surf configuration diverts water in astarboard direction as the hull moves through the water to enhance theport-side wave of the wake for wake surfing by making the port-side waveof the wake substantially smoother than the starboard-side wave of thewake.
 41. The method of claim 40, comprising manually securing the atleast one water diverter in the starboard-side surf configuration or theport-side surf configuration.
 42. The method of claim 40, whereinpositioning the at least one water diverter in the starboard-side surfconfiguration comprises positioning a starboard-side water diverter inan undeployed position and a port-side water diverter in a deployedposition, and wherein positioning the at least one water diverter in theport-side surf configuration comprises positioning a port-side waterdiverter in an undeployed position and a starboard-side water diverterin a deployed position.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein thewater-sports boat includes a starboard-side surf selector and aport-side surf selector, and wherein the method comprises: transitioningto the starboard-side surf configuration with the starboard-side waterdiverter at the undeployed position and the port-side water diverter atthe deployed position in response to actuation of the starboard-sidesurf selector; or transitioning to the port-side surf configuration withthe port-side water diverter at the undeployed position and thestarboard-side deflector at the deployed position in response toactuation of the port-side surf selector.
 44. The method of claim 43,comprising: transitioning from the port-side surf configuration to thestarboard-side surf configuration upon actuation of the starboard-sidesurf selector while the hull is traveling through water at speedssuitable for surfing; or transitioning from the starboard-side surfconfiguration to the port-side surf configuration upon actuation of theport-side surf selector while the hull is traveling through water atspeeds suitable for surfing.